With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction set to take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth added to the excitement by organizing a mock auction on his YouTube channel, which highlighted the immense demand for star players like Mohammed Shami and David Warner. The mock auction gave a glimpse of the fierce competition expected during the real auction and underscored the strategic planning franchises are undertaking to build balanced squads.

Mohammed Shami: The ace bowler returns to Gujarat Titans

One of the most intense moments of the mock auction revolved around Indian pacer Shami. After missing IPL 2024 due to injury, Shami made a stunning comeback in domestic cricket, taking seven wickets in his first Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match for Bengal. This remarkable performance, coupled with his past success in IPL, made him one of the most sought-after players in Srikkanth’s auction.

With a base price of INR 2 crore, Shami’s bidding started with Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) going head-to-head. The Royals pushed the price to INR 7.25 crore before exiting. This opened the door for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to enter a three-way bidding battle that saw the price soar to INR 10 crore. Just when it seemed Kolkata had secured Shami, Gujarat Titans (GT) exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card and reclaimed their former star for ₹11 crore.

Shami’s value lies in his ability to swing the new ball and deliver under pressure. His IPL record includes 127 wickets in 110 matches, with best figures of 4/11. As the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2023, Shami took 28 wickets in 17 games, showcasing his consistency and match-winning abilities. Gujarat’s decision to bring him back highlights his pivotal role in their bowling unit.

David Warner: A leader’s appeal draws RCB’s attention

Australian opener Warner, one of the most successful players in IPL history, became a major highlight in the mock auction ahead of IPL 2025. Warner, known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities, has left a lasting impact on the tournament, including leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to their first-ever IPL title in 2016. His contribution in that victory was immense, as he scored 848 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 151.42, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer for SRH. Over the years, Warner has accumulated over 6,000 runs in the IPL, making him one of the most consistent and destructive openers in the tournament.

Having captained SRH to success, Warner’s experience and aggressive approach make him a valuable asset to any team. After playing for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the last two-three seasons, Warner became a prime target in the mock auction, with teams eager to add his leadership and batting firepower to their ranks.

The bidding for Warner began with Chennai making the first move, followed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The battle between Chennai and Lucknow saw the price rise to INR 7.5 crore before Chennai exited. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) then joined the race, engaging in a neck-and-neck competition with Lucknow that took the bid to INR 10 crore. Ultimately, RCB secured Warner, adding a proven match-winner and experienced leader to their lineup.