The IPL 2025 mega auction, held at the grand Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, was a spectacle of record-breaking deals and exciting young talent.
Arshin Kulkarni, a 19-year-old all-rounder from Maharashtra, has caught the attention of multiple franchises among the uncapped players.
A Stellar Domestic Performance
Arshin Kulkarni showcased his talent in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a major role in Maharashtra’s victory against Nagaland.
Opening the innings, he smashed a quickfire 62 off 39 balls, laced with 8 fours and 2 sixes, before retiring injured. He also contributed with the ball, taking 1 wicket for 24 runs in his three overs.
His all-round performance has made him one of the most sought-after uncapped players in this year’s auction.
Kulkarni’s consistent domestic cricket performances and stint with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during IPL 2024, where he was bought for ₹20 lakh, have further improved his reputation.
Although he played only two matches last season, his potential as a pace-bowling all-rounder has drawn interest from major franchises like Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Arshin Kulkarni Goes Unsold
Kulkarni entered the auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen their middle order and bowling depth. However, none of the franchises bid for him during the accelerated auction rounds.
With franchises like MI reportedly planning to invest heavily in young Indian talent for the future, Arshin Kulkarni could spark a bidding war on Day 2 of the auction.
The Bigger Picture
The IPL 2025 auction has already seen record-breaking deals, including Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore move to LSG and Shreyas Iyer’s ₹26.75 crore signing by Punjab Kings.
As teams finalize their squads for the upcoming season, young talents like Arshin Kulkarni represent the future of Indian cricket.
Will Kulkarni land a big deal and prove his mettle on the grand IPL stage? Fans eagerly await to see which team secures this promising all-rounder.
What do you think—could he be the next big star in Indian cricket?