As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, all eyes are on who could fetch the highest bid. While Indian superstars like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer are natural contenders, England captain Jos Buttler might emerge as the most expensive pick due to his unmatched T20 credentials.
Why Jos Buttler Could Top the Auction
Buttler’s T20 prowess, combined with his IPL dominance, makes him a strong candidate for record-breaking bids. Despite playing fewer IPL matches than the Indian trio, Buttler boasts superior stats:
- Matches: 107
- Runs: 3582
- Strike Rate: 147.52
- Centuries: 7
In contrast, Pant, Rahul, and Shreyas have fewer hundreds combined, and their strike rates fall short of Buttler’s explosiveness. Moreover, his captaincy success, including leading England to the 2022 T20 World Cup title, adds to his allure.
IPL Stats Comparison
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | 107 | 3582 | 38.10 | 147.52 | 7 | 19 |
| Rishabh Pant | 111 | 3284 | 35.31 | 148.93 | 1 | 18 |
| KL Rahul | 132 | 4683 | 45.46 | 134.60 | 4 | 37 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 116 | 3127 | 32.23 | 127.47 | 0 | 21 |
Auction Factors
While Buttler’s stats favor him, Indian players traditionally attract higher bids due to their domestic availability and fan base. However, Buttler’s ability to single-handedly win games and his global experience could drive teams to break the bank. His franchise success with Rajasthan Royals further reinforces his reputation as a game-changer.