India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has called for the IPL auction system to be abolished, arguing that the uncertainty surrounding the process places significant mental pressure on players.
Kumar’s experience spans multiple phases of the IPL marketplace, from relatively modest early contracts to becoming a ₹10.75 crore (approx. US$1.12 million) acquisition for RCB in 2025. Despite reaching the auction as an established international player, he said the process continued to create anxiety over whether a franchise would ultimately sign him.
Speaking on Jatin Sapru’s podcast, Kumar said: “The auction system is a mental toll on players, big time. Youngsters just want to get sold, but for me, it is also about money, as I knew someone would get me. I remember in 2013-14, when SRH picked me, I was playing for India. But now I am nervous, and if no one picks me, I do feel mentally worried. Not disturbed, but worried. If I had the option, I would remove the auction. It is not right for the players’ mentality.”
From early IPL contracts to a ₹10.75 crore deal
Kumar’s own IPL career illustrates how dramatically a player’s position within the auction market can change. RCB initially signed him for ₹6 lakh (approx. US$6K) in 2010, before Pune Warriors India acquired him for ₹20 lakh (approx. US$21K) the following year.
Sunrisers Hyderabad signed the pacer for ₹4.25 crore (approx. US$443K) in 2014. He subsequently spent 11 seasons with SRH and was part of the franchise’s title-winning campaign in 2016 before being released following the 2024 season.
His return to RCB came through the 2025 auction, but Kumar was unable to follow the entire bidding process because he was simultaneously captaining Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Kumar recalled: “When my name came up, the SMAT was going on, and I was captaining UP. We were just getting into the ground, and our video analyst was watching the auction. I saw it, and I remember MI and LSG started bidding. When it went to 5 or 6 crores [the umpires started walking], I had to go. Someone came in after a few overs and told me that RCB picked me. I was a bit surprised. But I got messages from the team, and I was happy to be part of a team with such a big fanbase.”
RCB eventually secured Kumar for ₹10.75 crore (approx. US$1.12 million), the largest IPL contract of his career.
SRH faced budget constraints in bid to bring Kumar back
Kumar later learned that interest in his services extended beyond the franchises he had seen bidding before taking the field. His former SRH Head Coach Daniel Vettori subsequently spoke to him about the franchise’s position during the auction.
Kumar explained: “I had no idea. But when the auction happened on the first day and SRH could not take me, I was told by Daniel Vettori that a few teams were waiting for me. SRH wanted me, but due to dynamics and budget, they could not get me. But he wished me luck and told me this.”
The move ultimately placed Kumar back with the franchise where his IPL career had begun. He took 17 wickets from 14 matches during RCB’s title-winning 2025 campaign, averaging 28.41 with an economy rate of 9.28.
Relaxed RCB approach accompanies title success
Kumar also encountered a particular approach within RCB after joining the franchise, as the team pursued the IPL championship that had previously eluded it.
Reflecting on his initial interactions with the setup, Kumar said: “When I met the staff, everyone wanted to win, but they had a simple philosophy: if we win, it would be great but if not, it’s just one more year. They were excited, prepared, but relaxed.”
RCB went on to win their maiden IPL title in 2025 and retained Kumar for the following season. He then claimed 28 wickets from 16 matches in 2026 at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95 as the franchise successfully defended its championship.
For Kumar, those successive seasons with RCB came after an auction process that delivered the biggest contract of his IPL career, but one he believes imposes an unnecessary mental burden on the players whose futures are decided through it.
