Preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 are in full swing. This time, a mega auction is set to take place, where players will see a significant influx of money. Teams are keeping an eye on players who have recently performed well. Currently, various T20 leagues are ongoing worldwide, with players showcasing their talents. Recently, the Major League Cricket 2024 in the USA concluded, where Washington Freedom emerged as the champions. Three players stood out with their performances this season, demonstrating that they are ready to shine in IPL 2025.
These players include New Zealand’s Finn Allen, former Australian captain Steve Smith, and USA’s star bowler Saurabh Netravalkar. All three players impressed with their performances in Major League Cricket 2024. If these players enter the IPL mega auction, they could command high bids.
Finn Allen (New Zealand) (IPL 2025)
Finn Allen was the third-highest run-scorer in Major League Cricket 2024. He batted explosively throughout the season, scoring 306 runs in 9 innings at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 187.73. Allen notched up one century and two fifties during the season.
Finn Allen hails from New Zealand and has previously played in the IPL, but he went unsold in the last auction. This time, teams will be eager to acquire him. In the mega auction, he could attract bids worth millions as he fulfills the role of a powerful opener for any team.
Steve Smith (Australia)
Steve Smith was the second top-scorer of the season, delivering remarkable performances. As captain of Washington Freedom, Smith scored 336 runs in 9 matches at an average of 56.00 and a strike rate of 148. He hit three fifties and played as an opening batsman, providing quick starts alongside Travis Head, leading his team to victory.
Steve Smith is known as a player for ODIs and Tests. He went unsold in the IPL 2024 auction and was subsequently left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. However, following his strong performance in Major League Cricket, Smith is expected to be in high demand in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
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Saurabh Netravalkar (USA)
Saurabh Netravalkar impressed everyone with his bowling in the T20 World Cup 2024. An Indian-origin player who shifted to the USA years ago, Netravalkar has played for India’s U-19 team. In Major League Cricket 2024, he took 15 wickets in 7 matches at an economy rate of 7.67 for the champion team Washington Freedom.
Saurabh is a left-arm fast bowler who excels in bowling during the powerplay and has the skill to maintain accurate line and length in death overs. Scoring against him is not easy for any batter. This is why, when Saurabh enters the IPL 2025 mega auction, franchises are expected to bid heavily to secure his services.