IPL auction: Arshdeep Singh set for major payday after T20I heroics vs South Africa

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh’s stellar performance in the Centurion T20I against South Africa have set him up for a potentially career-defining payday in the India Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. Released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) despite his strong IPL showing, the left-arm seamer has registered for the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, and several franchises are expected to enter a bidding war for his services.

Arshdeep led India to victory with a match-winning bowling spell in the third T20I. In a high-stakes defense of India’s total of 219, Arshdeep bowled with precision and control, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs. His performance not only helped India secure a rare target defense at the traditionally high-scoring SuperSport Park but also elevated him to the top of the list of Indian fast bowlers with the most T20I wickets, surpassing veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The 25-year-old pacer opened his account in Centurion by dismissing South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton in the powerplay. Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball on a bounce-rich surface kept the South African top order in check. He returned with the older ball to secure crucial late wickets, including that of the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen (44 off 22 balls) in the 18th over. Arshdeep capped off his night by dismissing a rampaging Marco Jansen (54 off 17 balls) in the final over, sealing India’s victory with three balls to spare.

The young pacer has been a revelation for Punjab Kings, emerging as their top wicket-taker last season with 19 wickets in 14 games. Across his IPL career, Arshdeep has claimed 76 wickets in 65 matches, maintaining a solid bowling average of 27. His recent T20I heroics for India have further underscored his potential, especially after he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with 17 wickets. Despite this impressive form, PBKS did not retain him, creating an unexpected opportunity for other franchises to pursue his skills.

SA vs IND, 3rd T20I: Highlights

With his bowling skills in both the powerplay and at the death, Arshdeep has quickly become a prized asset for any T20 side. Multiple franchises are expected to target him in the IPL 2025 Auction, given his current form and versatility. While PBKS still has the option to use a Right to Match (RTM) card to re-acquire him, Arshdeep’s recent record-breaking performances might push his price beyond Punjab’s reach. As Arshdeep prepares to enter the auction pool, he does so with a powerful resume that boasts 92 T20I wickets in just 59 matches, and his career trajectory only seems to be rising.