Main points:
Every team makes detailed plans before the IPL auction. There is a long debate on the skills, team balance, purse and culture of the players. The strategy of mini and mega auction is different. The right bidding order and decision under pressure complicate the auction.
Delhi: IPL auction is on 16 December 2025. Every day we are getting to read such reports that which team, which player is being monitored or is needed or which player deserves how big a check this time? What is the truth behind these reports and how do teams actually prepare for the auction? This preparation is no less than a big project. Let us tell you about the strategy and high-pressure, marathon planning for this auction, based on the news received from inside the teams.
Dinesh Karthik’s auction experience
It is not easy for any team to take a decision regarding any player. Dinesh Karthik described the preparation for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s auction as a dramatic and action-packed experience which, according to him, can make for a long and entertainment-filled serial.
long debates behind closed doors
If the fans could have directly witnessed the debate within the team before the auction, they would have been shocked. In the midst of various talks and debates, it often seems that without doing anything special, we go into the auction. Making a team, that too keeping the purse in mind, is not an ordinary challenge.
8–10 days of marathon meetings and 14 hours of discussion
Playing matches on the ground and sitting in the board room discussing what is needed to build a better team is a very challenging but fun and fascinating experience for every team, especially in the 8-10 days before the auction. Many times the discussion goes on for 12-14 hours a day and then preparations are made as to which players are to be kept on the radar.
Different strategy of mini and mega auction
The strategy behind mini-auction and mega auction is different for every team. This does not mean that mini auction is any easy. In this, the mistake made in buying any player becomes very heavy and costly because there are no options left for improvement.
Assessing team balance and player real value
Every team tries to build the team keeping in mind the maximum emphasis, value of the players, understanding the balance of the team and strategic goals. In this, the focus is on fitting the required players in the already existing team. The biggest problem is that if a particular player is needed by a team, then no one is in the pool. All these factors add up to a confusing and complex selection process.
When required players are not in the pool
A very special and insider thing is that every team does not just focus on the talent of the player, while taking the decision, they also keep in mind how that player will fit into the culture of that team and other existing players. If there is any sign of conflict or dispute from anywhere, we compromise with skill and try to avoid the upcoming conflict. So there are two big factors: A- skill set and B- what does it take to be part of the team?
Complex strategy of players’ order and bidding
For the auction, the number has more importance than the order of the players and accordingly we decide whether we will bid for him? If yes, how much will the bid be pulled? What needs to be done to get that desired player? This is a very complex and challenging process and this is the thrill of the auction.
Battle of strategy between ten franchises
When there are ten franchises present in the auction, the atmosphere becomes a war of strategy rather than just a race to outdo each other. Every team strives to find the right combination of talent and balance with its vision.
The thrill of IPL is created by pressure, passion and decisions.
After reading all these things, it can be understood that it is not an easy challenge for any team to buy the required players in the auction. The discussions that take place behind closed doors are not even known outside. Both passion and happiness are visible for taking the right decision even under pressure and this is what is continuously taking the IPL forward.
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