TNPL 2025 auction: Vijay Shankar, Karthik Meiyappan among top buys
What's the story
The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 mega auction, which took place in Chennai on Saturday, witnessed a flurry of high-profile purchases. Among the major buys were all-rounder Vijay Shankar and former UAE spinner Karthik Meiyappan. Shankar sparked a bidding war between four franchises before being picked up by Chepauk Super Gillies for ₹18 lakh. Meiyappan was picked up by Madurai Panthers for ₹9.2 lakh after returning to his birthplace Chennai from the UAE.
Top bid
M Mohammed fetches highest bid at TNPL 2025 auction
M Mohammed, who has been a net bowler for Punjab Kings but is yet to debut in the IPL, drew the highest bid of ₹18.8 lakh. Meanwhile, Salem Spartans secured Mohammed after intense bidding from the Kovai Kings and Siechem Madurai Panthers. Swapnil Singh and C Andre Siddarth were other notable purchases. Both were picked up by the Chepauk Super Gillies and Lyca Kovai Kings respectively.
New additions
Swapnil Singh and C Andre Siddarth join TNPL teams
Swapnil Singh, a left-arm finger spinner who usually bowls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the powerplay, was bought by Chepauk Super Gillies for ₹10.8 lakh. Lyca Kovai Kings signed C Andre Siddarth for ₹8.4 lakh, potentially replacing Sai Sudharsan, who may miss out due to India A or senior team selection for the England tour.
Unexpected move
Washington Sundar goes to Trichy Grand Cholas
In a surprising move, Trichy Grand Cholas secured Washington Sundar for just ₹6 lakh. His low bid is likely due to his expected absence for most of the TNPL, as he prepares to succeed R Ashwin as India's main Test off-spinner. Meanwhile, defending TNPL champions Dindigul Dragons claimed their maiden title under Ashwin's captaincy in August 2024.
Stats
Vijay Shankar's TNPL and overall T20 numbers
Across 19 TNPL matches, the all-rounder owns 334 runs at an average of 20.88. He boasts a strike rate of 120.58 in 17 innings, with a high score of 47. With the ball, he has bagged 11 wickets in 16 innings, (ER: 9.68). He also owns one three-wicket haul. In 121 T20s, he has scored 1,933 runs at 26.85, (strike rate: 128.44). He has also smashed seven fifties, (HS: 69). He owns 36 scalps in 63 T20 innings.