The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Auction 2025 has once again lived up to its hype, delivering shocking bids, unexpected bargains, and record-breaking deals. As teams scrambled to secure the best talent, some players emerged as steal deals, while others saw their prices skyrocket beyond expectations.
Let’s take a look at the biggest steals and overpriced buys from the PKL 2025 auction.
Biggest Steals of PKL 2025 Auction
Some franchises walked away with absolute bargains, securing top-quality players for a fraction of their expected price. Here are the best value-for-money deals:
1. Naveen Kumar – Bought by Tamil Thalaivas (₹1.2 Cr)
One of the most consistent raiders in recent PKL history, Naveen Kumar going for just ₹1.2 Cr was a shocker. The “Naveen Express” has been a game-changer, and Tamil Thalaivas pulled off a masterstroke by securing him at a lower price than expected.
👉 Why It’s a Steal?
- Proven match-winner with a stellar raid success rate.
- Can single-handedly turn games around.
- Other teams surprisingly didn’t go all out for him.
2. Surjeet Singh – Bought by U Mumba (₹70 Lakh)
One of the best defenders in PKL history, Surjeet Singh came at an absolute bargain for U Mumba. His experience and leadership in the defensive unit will be invaluable.
👉 Why It’s a Steal?
- Elite right cover defender with years of PKL experience.
- Can organize the defensive setup effectively.
- A great deal considering some lesser-experienced players went for higher amounts.
3. Pawan Sehrawat – Bought by Gujarat Giants (₹1.5 Cr)
Given his reputation, many expected Pawan Sehrawat to break the auction record. However, Gujarat Giants managed to grab him for ₹1.5 Cr, a great deal for a raider of his caliber.
👉 Why It’s a Steal?
- Holds the record for most raid points in a season.
- His explosive raiding style makes him a dangerous weapon.
- Teams surprisingly didn’t push the bidding higher.
Most Overpriced Buys of PKL 2025 Auction
While some players came at bargain prices, others saw their price tags shoot up beyond expectations. Here are the most overpriced buys of the auction:
1. Arjun Deshwal – Bought by Patna Pirates (₹2.4 Cr)
The most expensive player of the PKL 2025 auction, Arjun Deshwal’s price tag raised eyebrows. While he is an exceptional raider, spending ₹2.4 Cr on him means Patna Pirates have little budget left for other players.
👉 Why It’s Overpriced?
- Other proven raiders like Pawan and Naveen went for much less.
- Patna might struggle with squad balance due to this massive bid.
2. Sunil Kumar – Bought by Bengaluru Bulls (₹1.8 Cr)
Sunil Kumar is undoubtedly one of the top defenders in PKL, but ₹1.8 Cr for a right cover defender is an unusual amount. Bengaluru Bulls went all-in on him, leaving fans questioning the move.
👉 Why It’s Overpriced?
- Defenders usually don’t command such high prices in PKL.
- Might not provide value equivalent to the bid.
3. Maninder Singh – Bought by Telugu Titans (₹2.1 Cr)
While Maninder Singh is a powerful raider, spending ₹2.1 Cr on him feels like a gamble. Telugu Titans have struggled in previous seasons, and placing such a huge bet on one player could backfire.
👉 Why It’s Overpriced?
- Other elite raiders were available at a lower price.
- Telugu Titans could have built a better squad with a balanced approach.
Final Thoughts: Who Won & Who Lost?
Winners of the PKL 2025 Auction
✅ Tamil Thalaivas – Getting Naveen Kumar at ₹1.2 Cr is a dream deal.
✅ Gujarat Giants – Securing Pawan Sehrawat for ₹1.5 Cr is a brilliant move.
✅ U Mumba – Stealing Surjeet Singh at just ₹70 Lakh makes their defense rock solid.
Losers of the PKL 2025 Auction
❌ Patna Pirates – Spending ₹2.4 Cr on Arjun Deshwal limits their squad flexibility.
❌ Telugu Titans – Could have gone for more depth instead of paying ₹2.1 Cr for Maninder Singh.
❌ Bengaluru Bulls – Overspending ₹1.8 Cr on Sunil Kumar might not pay off.
The PKL 2025 auction delivered unexpected surprises, with some teams making smart investments while others overpaid for players. As the season unfolds, we will see if these big-money players justify their price tags or if the steal deals turn out to be the best performers.
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Auction 2025 has once again lived up to its hype, delivering shocking bids, unexpected bargains, and record-breaking deals. As teams scrambled to secure the best talent, some players emerged as steal deals, while others saw their prices skyrocket beyond expectations.
Let’s take a look at the biggest steals and overpriced buys from the PKL 2025 auction.
Biggest Steals of PKL 2025 Auction
Some franchises walked away with absolute bargains, securing top-quality players for a fraction of their expected price. Here are the best value-for-money deals:
1. Naveen Kumar – Bought by Tamil Thalaivas (₹1.2 Cr)
One of the most consistent raiders in recent PKL history, Naveen Kumar going for just ₹1.2 Cr was a shocker. The “Naveen Express” has been a game-changer, and Tamil Thalaivas pulled off a masterstroke by securing him at a lower price than expected.
👉 Why It’s a Steal?
- Proven match-winner with a stellar raid success rate.
- Can single-handedly turn games around.
- Other teams surprisingly didn’t go all out for him.
2. Surjeet Singh – Bought by U Mumba (₹70 Lakh)
One of the best defenders in PKL history, Surjeet Singh came at an absolute bargain for U Mumba. His experience and leadership in the defensive unit will be invaluable.
👉 Why It’s a Steal?
- Elite right cover defender with years of PKL experience.
- Can organize the defensive setup effectively.
- A great deal considering some lesser-experienced players went for higher amounts.
3. Pawan Sehrawat – Bought by Gujarat Giants (₹1.5 Cr)
Given his reputation, many expected Pawan Sehrawat to break the auction record. However, Gujarat Giants managed to grab him for ₹1.5 Cr, a great deal for a raider of his caliber.
👉 Why It’s a Steal?
- Holds the record for most raid points in a season.
- His explosive raiding style makes him a dangerous weapon.
- Teams surprisingly didn’t push the bidding higher.
Most Overpriced Buys of PKL 2025 Auction
While some players came at bargain prices, others saw their price tags shoot up beyond expectations. Here are the most overpriced buys of the auction:
1. Arjun Deshwal – Bought by Patna Pirates (₹2.4 Cr)
The most expensive player of the PKL 2025 auction, Arjun Deshwal’s price tag raised eyebrows. While he is an exceptional raider, spending ₹2.4 Cr on him means Patna Pirates have little budget left for other players.
👉 Why It’s Overpriced?
- Other proven raiders like Pawan and Naveen went for much less.
- Patna might struggle with squad balance due to this massive bid.
2. Sunil Kumar – Bought by Bengaluru Bulls (₹1.8 Cr)
Sunil Kumar is undoubtedly one of the top defenders in PKL, but ₹1.8 Cr for a right cover defender is an unusual amount. Bengaluru Bulls went all-in on him, leaving fans questioning the move.
👉 Why It’s Overpriced?
- Defenders usually don’t command such high prices in PKL.
- Might not provide value equivalent to the bid.
3. Maninder Singh – Bought by Telugu Titans (₹2.1 Cr)
While Maninder Singh is a powerful raider, spending ₹2.1 Cr on him feels like a gamble. Telugu Titans have struggled in previous seasons, and placing such a huge bet on one player could backfire.
👉 Why It’s Overpriced?
- Other elite raiders were available at a lower price.
- Telugu Titans could have built a better squad with a balanced approach.
Final Thoughts: Who Won & Who Lost?
Winners of the PKL 2025 Auction
✅ Tamil Thalaivas – Getting Naveen Kumar at ₹1.2 Cr is a dream deal.
✅ Gujarat Giants – Securing Pawan Sehrawat for ₹1.5 Cr is a brilliant move.
✅ U Mumba – Stealing Surjeet Singh at just ₹70 Lakh makes their defense rock solid.
Losers of the PKL 2025 Auction
❌ Patna Pirates – Spending ₹2.4 Cr on Arjun Deshwal limits their squad flexibility.
❌ Telugu Titans – Could have gone for more depth instead of paying ₹2.1 Cr for Maninder Singh.
❌ Bengaluru Bulls – Overspending ₹1.8 Cr on Sunil Kumar might not pay off.
The PKL 2025 auction delivered unexpected surprises, with some teams making smart investments while others overpaid for players. As the season unfolds, we will see if these big-money players justify their price tags or if the steal deals turn out to be the best performers.
