The excitement around the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, set for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is reaching fever pitch. A total of 1,574 players have thrown their hats in the ring, with 1,165 from India and 409 from international leagues. Among them, South Africa’s star pacer Kagiso Rabada is one of the biggest names to watch.
Rabada, 29, played three seasons with Punjab Kings after being acquired for ₹9.25 crore in 2022. Over these seasons, he proved his worth by taking 41 wickets in 30 matches. Now, as he re-enters the auction pool, Rabada’s impressive record and fiery pace have made him a top pick for many franchises.
With 117 wickets from 80 IPL matches, Rabada’s ability to deliver in high-stakes moments makes him a coveted asset. Here are three teams that could be eyeing him at this year’s auction.
1. Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians, known for their five IPL titles, might target Rabada to strengthen their bowling squad. Their batting stars like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav often take the spotlight, but their bowling lineup has been a critical factor in their success.
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Since Trent Boult left, Mumbai has been on the lookout for a solid partner to back up Jasprit Bumrah. Rabada’s speed and knack for picking up key wickets would complement Bumrah’s pinpoint accuracy, potentially making them a formidable bowling pair.
Kagiso Rabada has also shown strong performance at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where he took 11 wickets in eight matches. His proven skills on this ground could make him an ideal fit for Mumbai’s lineup.
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals and Kagiso Rabada have a history. Rabada joined DC in 2017, and his time with the team saw some of DC’s best seasons, with the franchise reaching the playoffs in 2019 and 2021 and finishing as runners-up in 2020. During these seasons, he consistently delivered with remarkable wicket-taking ability.
In 2019, he took 25 wickets in 12 games, and in 2020, he claimed the Purple Cap with 30 wickets in 17 matches. His experience and familiarity with Delhi’s setup make him a valuable option, especially considering his success at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
DC could benefit greatly from bringing Rabada back into their fold, offering them a reliable bowler who knows how to deliver in critical moments.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Despite boasting powerful batting lineups, Royal Challengers Bangalore have yet to secure an IPL title, often due to an inconsistent bowling attack. With Mohammed Siraj released and Yash Dayal retained, RCB might look at Rabada to bring experience and aggression to their bowling unit.
Kagiso Rabada has the skills to bowl in all stages of the game and handle pressure well, qualities that would boost RCB’s chances of securing their long-awaited first IPL title. He’s shown his capabilities at RCB’s home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with six wickets in just two matches there.
For RCB, adding Rabada could be the final piece they need to build a competitive bowling lineup and aim for the title.
As the auction date nears, fans and teams alike are watching closely to see where Kagiso Rabada will end up. His proven record, adaptability, and fierce pace make him a valuable addition to any IPL team looking to solidify their bowling attack.
