As the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its 2025 season, the mega auction promises to be a spectacle of strategic acquisitions and financial splurges. Punjab Kings (PBKS), having retained only Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, have opened up a massive purse for the auction, setting the stage for a dramatic overhaul of their squad. Among the players they’ve released, three names stand out not just for their past performances but for their potential to fetch a whopping 15 crore each: Arshdeep Singh, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran. Here’s why these players might just be the most sought-after in the auction.
1. Arshdeep Singh – The Left-Arm Swing Maestro: Arshdeep Singh has become synonymous with left-arm swing bowling in the IPL. His ability to move the ball both ways, coupled with a knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures, makes him invaluable. In the T20 format, where the ball doesn’t swing much, Arshdeep’s skills are gold. His performances in international cricket, especially in the T20 format, have only added to his reputation. Teams looking to bolster their pace attack with a bowler who can trouble both left and right-handers will see Arshdeep as a prime target. His market value could soar, especially after a season where he showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
2. Liam Livingstone – The Power-Hitting All-Rounder: Liam Livingstone has transformed into one of the most destructive hitters in world cricket. His ability to clear the boundary with ease, combined with his handy off-spin bowling, makes him a dream pick for any franchise. Livingstone’s recent form, especially in international cricket, where he’s shown he can anchor innings or accelerate at will, positions him as a player who can change the game’s dynamics single-handedly. For teams needing that explosive middle-order batsman who can also chip in with crucial overs, Livingstone’s price tag might just reflect his match-winning capabilities.
3. Sam Curran – The Versatile All-Rounder: Sam Curran’s release by PBKS might be the most surprising, given his all-round prowess. Curran has proven his worth with both bat and ball, often in the same game. His ability to bowl at the death, swing the new ball, and then come out with the bat to either stabilize or accelerate the innings makes him a rare commodity. His performances in international cricket, especially in the T20 World Cup, have only added to his allure. Teams looking for a player who can single-handedly turn a game around will be willing to pay a premium for Curran, making him a potential 15 crore player in the IPL 2025 auction.
The release of Arshdeep Singh, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran by Punjab Kings has not only created a vacuum in their squad but also set the stage for one of the most competitive bidding wars in IPL history. These players, each with unique skills that can tilt the balance in T20 cricket, represent not just immediate impact but also long-term investment for any franchise. Their potential to command such high prices in the auction is not just about their past performances but the promise they hold for the future. As teams strategize their bids, these three might just be the crown jewels of IPL 2025, with their price tags reflecting their worth in the ever-evolving cricketing landscape.