5 Foreign Bowlers Who Can Set the IPL 2025 Auction Stage on Fire
As the IPL 2025 Auction approaches, all eyes will be on the marquee players who can make a significant impact on the tournament. Among the most anticipated are the foreign bowlers who possess the skills and experience to dominate in the shortest format of the game. These bowlers not only bring variety and depth to the bowling attacks of their respective teams but also possess the ability to change the course of a game with their exceptional performances.
Here are the 5 foreign bowlers who are expected to set the IPL 2025 Auction stage on fire.
1) Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer is one of the most exciting fast bowlers in modern cricket. Known for his express pace, ability to generate steep bounce, and lethal yorkers, Archer has made a name for himself as a T20 specialist. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to execute precise deliveries make him a crucial asset in the T20 format. Archer’s versatility allows him to bowl at any stage of the innings, making him a complete package for T20 cricket.
Although he missed IPL 2024 due to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision to manage his workload ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, his return to the auction pool will undoubtedly create a bidding frenzy. Archer’s knack for breaking crucial partnerships and his ability to bowl economical spells in high-pressure situations make him a top contender in the IPL 2025 auction.
2) Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga has emerged as one of the most promising leg-spinners in world cricket. Known for his sharp leg-breaks and deceptive googlies, Hasaranga has the uncanny ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs, breaking crucial partnerships and putting the opposition on the back foot.
Despite being bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹1.5 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, he was ruled out of the season due to chronic heel pain in his left foot. His skills are not just limited to his bowling Hasaranga is also an agile fielder and a handy lower-order batsman, making him a valuable all-rounder in the T20 format. His variations and ability to bowl in different phases of the game make him a game-changer and a highly coveted player in the IPL 2025 auction.
3) Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood, known for his height and ability to generate bounce, brings a different dimension to T20 bowling attacks. His precision and consistency make him an excellent choice for bowling in the powerplay and at the death. Hazlewood’s ability to bowl a tight line and length, combined with subtle variations in pace, makes him a difficult bowler to score against.
Although he went unsold in the IPL 2024 auction, his recent performances in international T20s have shown his adaptability to the shortest format. Hazlewood’s ability to maintain pressure on the batsmen and pick wickets at regular intervals makes him an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their bowling line-up.
4) Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is renowned for his ability to bowl at express pace and swing the ball both ways, making him one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. His left-arm angle provides an added advantage, often unsettling even the best of batsmen. Starc’s lethal yorkers and toe-crushing deliveries at the death are his trademarks, which he uses to perfection in T20 cricket.
His ability to bowl under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has made him a valuable asset in any format. Even though he was the MVP for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2024 season, Starc might be released due to his high price tag of over INR 24 Crores as it will be difficult for the KKR management to retain him with other key players. His experience, coupled with his ability to bowl match-defining spells, ensures that he will be a highly sought-after player in the upcoming auction.
5) Ottneil Baartman
Ottneil Baartman, a promising fast bowler from South Africa, is known for his ability to bowl at a brisk pace and extract movement off the pitch. Baartman has been a revelation in domestic T20 leagues, where his sharp bouncers and pinpoint yorkers have troubled many batsmen. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl effectively at the death makes him a versatile bowler in the T20 format.
Although he went unsold in the IPL 2024 auction, Baartman’s potential to become a match-winner with the ball makes him a player to watch out for in the IPL 2025 auction. Teams looking for a dynamic and aggressive fast bowler will likely have their eyes on him.
