IPL 2025: Teams that could break the bank to buy stars who could lead the side

On Thursday, three former IPL captains were released by their teams ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The three names in question are Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders), KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants), and Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals). While Lucknow Super Giants are on the cusp of appointing Nicholas Pooran as their next skipper, three teams are left without a captain. 

Sam Curran who was leading Punjab Kings in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan has also been released. With the retirement of Shikhar Dhawan, even Preity Zinta and her team need a new captain for the coming season. Mumbai Indians have already announced that Hardik Pandya will continue to be the skipper of the side. 

Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Pat Cummins will continue to lead their respective sides as well. There are also reports that Virat Kohli could be re-appointed as the captain for Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the coming season. 

Teams ready to break the bank for captaincy candidates?

Delhi Capitals – 

During ever IPL auction, Delhi Capitals are one of the teams that tend to spend a lot of money on the players. This year they need a new captain as well after the release of Rishabh Pant. There is a good chance that Delhi Capitals could try to break the bank for Shreyas Iyer during the upcoming IPL 2025 auctions. The 29-year-old has the experience of Delhi before and led them to the finals during IPL 2020. Shreyas Iyer also has a calm head on his shoulders and is seen as someone who can calm the nerves. His batting might be struggling but once he gets back to form, Iyer can lead from the front with the bat in hand. 

Punjab Kings – 

Just like Delhi Capitals, one of the original IPL sides yet to win the title are Punjab Kings. Having already tried the KL Rahul option, they might not want to go down the same route. David Warner was one of the names released on Thursday and the former Australia star has years of experience leading in the IPL. David Warner also has led Sunrisers Hyderabad to a title win and this might prove to be a huge advantage. Ricky Ponting taking over as the coach of PBKS will also act in Warner’s favor. Punjab might be tempted to break the bank and sign David Warner for the coming season of IPL. 

Kolkata Knight Riders - 

Defending IPL winners, Kolkata Knight Riders decided to part ways with Shreyas Iyer on Thursday. The three-time IPL winners will be looking for a seasoned campaigner and this could act in favor of KL Rahul. The 32-year-old has been one of the best players in the IPL and has years of captaincy experience. Kolkata Knight Riders could like a calm presence on the field and there is no better player than KL Rahul. With Rahul in the side, KKR can also have the option of the veteran star opening the batting and keeping wickets if need be. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

In the case of Virat Kohli not being appointed the captain, RCB could look to go big on the player everyone wants. Can you imagine, Rishabh Pant leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the coming editions of IPL? With a purse of INR 83 crores, RCB have the steepest pockets in the auction. This will not deter them from making a play to sign Pant for coming season of the IPL. The 27-year-old will also love the challenge of leading the side and possibly finally ending their long wait for an IPL title.