With the IPL 2025 mega auction on the horizon, the anticipation is building as franchises prepare to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. This year, wicketkeeper-batters are set to be a major point of focus, with several high-profile players entering the auction pool.
Due to the IPL’s limit of retaining only six players per franchise, many teams have had to make difficult choices, leading to the release of some of the best wicketkeeper-batters in the game. As only a few teams have retained their glovemen, the auction is expected to see intense competition for top-tier talent behind the stumps. Here’s a look at the top 5 wicket keepers that teams could target in the IPL 2025 auction.
Ishan Kishan:
Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Mumbai Indians
Ishan Kishan, the dynamic opening batter for Mumbai Indians (MI), has been a consistent force in the IPL. He was bought for INR 15.25 Crore by MI in the 2022 mega auction, making him the second most expensive Indian player in IPL auction history. In the 2024 season, he scored 320 runs in 14 matches at an average of 22.85 and a strike rate of 148.83. In 2023, Kishan made a strong impact with 454 runs in 16 matches, averaging 30.26 with a strike rate of 142.76. His best season came in 2020, where he scored 516 runs at an average of 57.33 and a strike rate of 145.76.
While his form fluctuated in earlier seasons, including 2019 and 2016, Kishan’s ability to dominate the powerplay and anchor the innings when needed has made him an invaluable asset for MI. His explosive batting and growing consistency solidify his role as a key player in the IPL.
Jos Buttler
Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Rajasthan Royals
Jos Buttler has established himself as one of the most explosive and dependable batters in IPL history. Playing for Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals across 107 matches, Buttler has scored 3,582 runs at an impressive strike rate of 147.52 and an average of 38.10. With 7 centuries and 19 half-centuries, smashing 355 fours and 161 sixes, consistently putting pressure on bowlers in the powerplay and beyond. Buttler’s IPL career reached its peak in 2022, where he had a record-breaking season, scoring 863 runs in 17 matches at an average of 57.53, including 4 centuries and 4 fifties with a whopping strike rate of 149.05, earning himself the prestigious Orange Cap.
In 2024, Buttler continued to display his skills, scoring 359 runs in 11 matches at an average of 39.88, including two centuries. His release by Rajasthan Royals (RR) was one of the biggest surprises leading into the IPL 2025 auction. The England white-ball skipper will be one of the top draws at the 2025 IPL auction, his numbers in the format, especially in the IPL over the past three to four seasons, are phenomenal, making Buttler one of the most sought-after players.
KL Rahul
Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Lucknow Super Giants
KL Rahul is one of the most consistent performers in IPL history, and his release by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2025 mega auction has surprised many. Over 132 matches, Rahul has scored 4,683 runs at an average of 45.46 and a strike rate of 134.60, with 4 centuries, 37 half-centuries, 400 fours, and 187 sixes. His elegant stroke play, solid technique, and ability to handle pressure make him an asset for any franchise. Additionally, his wicketkeeping skills, with 78 catches and 7 stumpings, add further value to his game.
Rahul’s IPL journey has been remarkable, consistently delivering standout performances. In 2022, leading Lucknow as captain, he scored 616 runs in 15 matches at an average of 51.33, including two centuries and four fifties, at a strike rate of 135.38. Despite being ruled out midway through the 2023 season due to injury, Rahul managed 274 runs in 9 matches at an average of 34.25, including two fifties. In 2024, he scored 520 runs in 14 matches at an average of 37.14 and a strike rate of 136.12, providing stability at the top order for Lucknow. Rahul’s best season came in 2020 when he dominated the tournament with 670 runs at an average of 55.83, including his career-best score of 132*, earning himself the Orange cap accolade by becoming the highest run scorer of the tournament.
Over the last three seasons, he has scored 1,347 runs, demonstrating his ability to perform consistently across formats and conditions. With his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed, Rahul is a dependable player who thrives in pressure situations. His leadership experience, combined with his batting and keeping versatility, makes him a prime target in the 2025 auction. Teams seeking a reliable opener who can guide the innings while scoring at a healthy rate will undoubtedly see Rahul as one of the most sought-after players this season.
Phil Salt:
Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Kolkata Knight Riders
Phil Salt, the dynamic England wicketkeeper-batter, has showcased his explosive batting in the IPL, having played for two teams over the years. With a total of 653 runs from 21 matches at an average of 34.36 and a remarkable strike rate of 175.53.
In 2023, Salt represented Delhi Capitals (DC), marking his first IPL appearance, and accumulated 218 runs from 9 matches at an average of 27.25. Despite his inconsistent performance, his strike rate of 163.90 still made him a dangerous asset at the top of the order. In the 2024 season, Salt bounced back from his previous IPL form and played a vital role for the champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring 435 runs from 12 matches at an impressive average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 182.00., with a highest score of unbeaten 89.
Although Salt doesn’t keep wickets for England, he dons the gloves for his IPL teams, providing a valuable wicketkeeping option alongside his explosive batting with the base price of INR 2 Crores, Salt will be a tempting option for the IPL franchises to strengthen their squad.
Rishab Pant
Base Price: INR 2 Crores
Released by: Delhi Capitals
Rishabh Pant has been a standout performer for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL. Although he missed the 2023 season due to injury, his exceptional past performances make him one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 auction. Across 111 matches, Pant has amassed 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31 with a strike rate of 148.93. Known for his aggressive batting style, he boasts a highest score of 128*, accompanied by 1 century, 18 half-centuries, 296 fours, and 154 sixes. Additionally, as a wicketkeeper, he has contributed with 75 catches and 23 stumpings, making him a valuable all-round player.
Pant has consistently scored over 300 runs in nearly every IPL season since his debut, establishing himself as a dependable middle-order batter. In 2024, he scored 446 runs in 13 matches at an impressive average of 40.54 and a strike rate of 155.40, including three fifties and a top score of 88*. His best season came in 2018, where he amassed 684 runs at an average of 52.61 and a strike rate of 173.60, showcasing his ability to dominate bowling attacks.
His aggressive batting, combined with his leadership credentials, makes Pant an attractive prospect for any team. With a base price of INR 2 crores in the 2025 auction, he is expected to ignite a bidding war. Teams looking for a dependable Indian wicketkeeper-batter who thrives under pressure and provides stability in the middle order will see immense value in Pant. His knack for rotating strikes, hitting boundaries at key moments, and leading with composure adds to his reputation as a franchise-defining player.