The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25, has just become more exciting with the late inclusion of England fast bowler Jofra Archer and USA-based pacer Saurabh Netravalkar. Their addition brings the total number of players in the auction pool to 577, up from the original 574.
Jofra Archer’s Surprise Inclusion
Archer’s name was notably absent from the initial 574-player shortlist sent to franchises earlier this month. However, the IPL officially informed franchises on Thursday of his addition. Archer, 29, will now be part of the fast bowlers’ category (Set 6) and will come up for bidding on the first day of the auction.
Archer’s return to action this year after a prolonged injury layoff has been a major highlight. He played in England’s white-ball series against Pakistan, Australia, and West Indies, as well as the T20 World Cup, where his performances were closely monitored. Known for his pace and ability to deliver under pressure, Archer is expected to attract significant interest from franchises looking for a world-class fast bowler.
Saurabh Netravalkar’s Journey
Saurabh Netravalkar, a former India U-19 player who later moved to the USA, has impressed with his performances on the international stage. His standout outing against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers and his ability to bowl under pressure, exemplified by a superb Super Over performance, has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and franchises alike.
With 36 wickets in 36 T20Is and 88 wickets in 56 ODIs, the left-arm pacer brings valuable experience. Netravalkar’s journey from Mumbai to balancing cricket with a tech job at Oracle in the USA adds a unique dimension to his story. He could emerge as a bargain pick for franchises seeking a dependable left-arm seamer.
Other Notable Additions
Uncapped Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Hardik Tamore rounds out the trio of late additions. Tamore has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, known for his solid batting technique and reliable glovework. His entry provides franchises with another option for a backup wicketkeeper, a critical role in the high-intensity IPL format.
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