Ever since its inception, the Indian Premier League has been regarded as the platform it provides youngsters to exhibit their expertise. Apart from the loads of already-established international superstars who make it big in the auction more often than not, a few of the lesser-recognized players have also seen themselves being sold for a hefty sum over the years. The narrative persisted at the mega auction held for IPL 2025.  

Various franchises had quite a few slots left by the business end of the second day of the event. It was mainly at a point that they went big on uncapped youngsters, many of which attracted multiple bids. IPL 2025 is going to be interesting seeing the bids go high for these youngsters who are not that famous as compared to other players who have been added to the ten teams’ squad. 

Here are the five lesser-known faces who earned big in IPL 2025 auction: 

1. Rasikh Salam (Royal Challengers Bengaluru – INR 6 crore)

Rasikh Salam was bagged by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 6 crore after his former franchise, Delhi Capitals, wanted to exercise their Right To Match card when his value was at INR 2 crore. The right-arm medium pacer hailing from Jammu & Kashmir was noticed by the Mumbai Indians’ scouts following his performance in the 2018/19 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Rasikh was in action for the Delhi Capitals the previous season. 

Despite not having the best of seasons in terms of metrics such as economy rate, Rasikh gained valuable game time. He executed a barrage of scorching yorkers in IPL 2024 while associated with DC. Recently, he impressed one and all at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 by establishing himself as the second-highest wicket-taker.

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2. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals – INR 1.1 crore)

The youngest player to be shortlisted for an IPL auction, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi was roped in by the Rajasthan Royals at INR 1.1 crore. RR repelled stiff competition from the Delhi Capitals and was eventually successful in securing the youngster from Bihar. Earlier this year, the southpaw made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy. 

What truly directed the spotlight towards Suryavanshi was when he thudded a 58-ball hundred representing India Under-19s in his inaugural Youth Test. The teenager also holds a unique milestone of amassing a triple-ton in the Randhir Verma Under-19 ODI tournament. Playing under the likes of Rahul Dravid as head coach is set to make the forthcoming stint an enriching one for the budding talent.

3. Gurjapneet Singh (Chennai Super Kings – INR 2.2 crore)

Gurjapneet Singh, known for fluid bowling action and towering 6’3″ frame, was snapped up by the Chennai Super Kings for INR 2.2 crore. The second half of the bidding process for Gurjapneet included the Gujarat Titans, spearheaded by former Indian left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra pursuing him, but it was CSK who managed to secure his services in the end. The Ludhiana-born pacer, who relocated to Chennai when he was around 17, has previously been a net bowler for the franchise.

Gurjapneet also has prior experience of being mentored by Ravichandran Ashwin and Yo Mahesh during his stint with the Dindigul Dragons earlier this year. He exhibited considerable prowess both with the new and old ball, with his ability to control its swing being one of his biggest merits. An exhibition of his consistent bowling was on show on his Ranji Trophy debut where he not only scalped the prized wicket of veteran Cheteshwar Pujara but also registered the best figures by a Tamil Nadu pacer since the 2005-06 season. 

4. Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru – INR 2.6 crore)

21-year-old Jacob Bethell, who only recently made his international debut in the white-ball series against Australia, was pouched by RCB for a valuation of INR 2.6 crore. It is noteworthy to mention that the Sunrisers Hyderabad, head coached by Daniel Vettori who has worked with Bethell at the Birmingham Phoenix, put up strong resistance against RCB before withdrawing. The Barbados-born made shockwaves of his talent with the bat at the Under-19 World Cup in 2022, particularly with his hard-hitting 88-run knock-off just 42 deliveries.

In the 46 T20s he has played up until November 26, 2024, he strikes at 142.47, something deserving commendable praise while batting in the middle-order. Other than his batting, Bethell is set to offer enough utility as a handy left-arm spinner. Bethell will be expected to gain a lot of experience while being in the same dressing room as his English teammates, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone.  

5. Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad – INR 1.20 crore)

Right-arm fast-medium from Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga, was purchased by SRH for INR 1.20 crore. Although uncapped, he has a vast skillset which SRH will be looking to tap into. Recently, he was a part of Sri Lanka A at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 where he left a mark with his frugal bowling display. 

Eshan has previously honed his skills at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. He was impressive for the Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League. The 2001-born has also been a part of the Sri Lanka A programme, a specific initiative for the growth and flourishment of young Lankan cricketers.