The IPL 2025 mega auction saw a fierce bidding war among the 10 franchises to recruit the best talents available, with an aim to rebuild their team for the upcoming seasons.

When a huge pool of players is up for grabs, it’s only natural for a franchise to lose out on specific targets. Nonetheless, we managed to rope in the majority of targets on our wishlist ahead of the 18th edition of the tournament.

Skipper Hardik Pandya opined on how the mega auction went about for our side while also revealing that he was in constant touch with the think tank throughout the two days of the event.

“The auction dynamics are always tricky. You know when you are watching it live, it's very exciting and the emotions are always up and down because you want a particular player but sometimes you just lose out on them,” said Pandya.

“I was in touch with the table, communicating about who we are going for & I think we came out pretty well from the auction and how the team is looking,” he added.

When asked about the tactical balance in the #BatchOf2025, the dynamic all-rounder was elated at the right mix of players that we bought.

“We have found the right mix, which is experienced players like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar and at the same point in time. Young guns like Will Jacks, Robin Minz and [Ryan] Rickelton bring freshness and energy.

“So I think we have done pretty well in that. We have covered all the bases where the right amount of mixture has been added to the team,” he said.

Furthermore, the Mumbai Indians are known to unearth youngsters from every corner of the country with an aim to develop them into the champions of tomorrow! On that note, the 31-year-old had a special message for all the young newcomers.

“If you are here, you have that spark and talent which the scouts have seen. They found me, Jasprit [Bumrah], Krunal [Pandya] and Tilak [Varma] among others. They all eventually played for the country. All you have to do is show up, train, work hard and the best part about that is Mumbai Indians has the facility to make them flourish.”

Lastly, the T20 World Cup 2024 champion bid adieu to our former players who were bought by other franchises, wishing them nothing but success in their future.

“It's always difficult to leave a franchise where you have created a lot of memories... You have won matches and trophies and you have also formed years-old friendships.

“Then to go to a new team and start fresh… I know how challenging it can be but at the same point of time, we, as Mumbai Indians, wish all the very best to everyone who is going to start their new journey with a new franchise,” he concluded.

Paltan, with such positive and encouraging words from our very own kaptaan, how pumped up are you for IPL 2025? Express your excitement in the comments!