Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have decided to part ways with Ishan Kishan, which means the team will look for a new wicketkeeper-batter. Luckily, there are many stylish wicketkeeper-batters entering the IPL 2025 mega auction, from Rishabh Pant to KL Rahul. However, one name expected to be targeted by Mumbai Indians is England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler, who has been released by the Rajasthan Royals camp and is now set to look for a new IPL team. The chances are high that Mumbai Indians will likely make a move for him. However, acquiring Jos Buttler won’t be easy for MI, as other teams are also eyeing him. So, who are the teams that will challenge MI for Jos Buttler in the IPL 2025 auction? Here are three quality teams apart from MI that will be after the England star.
CSK
One team that might look to bring Jos Buttler into their camp is the Chennai Super Kings. However, many reports suggest they may also consider acquiring Rishabh Pant’s services, as he is seen as someone who could lead the team forward, especially as an answer to the who after Dhoni question.
But since Buttler is known for his adaptability, even if he doesn’t get a chance as a wicketkeeper, there’s no denying that he has immense value as a batter as well. Time and again, he has proven his worth with the bat and always came on top for the Rajasthan Royals. In the 2024 Indian Premier League, Buttler scored 359 runs in 11 matches, all of which came when the team desperately needed wins. Always a proven matchwinner, CSK will likely target him as a top-order batter for their team.
RCB
RCB could also likely target Jos Buttler for several reasons. If Virat Kohli doesn’t take up the captaincy, although chances are high that he may lead the team once again, nothing has been confirmed yet, as there is currently no movement on this front. However, we may see some changes, especially since Faf du Plessis is no longer in the mix.
The team needs an opener who can partner with Virat Kohli at the top and also lead the side, much like Faf did. Also, with Dinesh Karthik no longer in the squad, there is a high chance that RCB might go aggressively in the IPL 2025 auction to secure Buttler’s services.
KKR
Last but not least, replacement of Phil Salt, as KKR decided to release Jos Buttler’s England teammate and destructive opener, Phil Salt. This has left a vacancy for a wicketkeeper-batter role. Salt, who played a massive role for KKR in IPL 2024, especially in the group stages, had an impressive season. Scoring 435 runs at an average of nearly 40 in 12 innings with a strike rate of 182, he was a key player.
With Salt looking for a new IPL team, KKR has the best option as Jos Buttler to fill the role. Also, with Shreyas Iyer also not retained, Buttler could potentially take on the captaincy and wicketkeeper-batter duties. This would surely solve matters for the IPL 2024 champions.
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