Rutherford Secures Lucrative Deal with Gujarat Titans
West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford emerged as the highest-earning Caribbean player on the second day of the 2025 IPL Mega Auction in Saudi Arabia. The 26-year-old was picked up by the Gujarat Titans for a remarkable US$317,000, surpassing his base price of US$182,000.
Rutherford’s auction journey was filled with excitement, as an intense bidding war unfolded between the Mumbai Indians and the Titans. Mumbai initiated the bidding at US$243,000, which escalated rapidly with counterbids from both sides. The Titans eventually sealed the deal with a winning bid of US$317,000.
Rutherford’s IPL journey includes stints with multiple franchises, such as the Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders. In 10 IPL matches, he has scored 106 runs across nine innings, maintaining an average of 15.14.
Shepherd Joins RCB, Powell Heads to KKR
Romario Shepherd, another West Indies all-rounder, was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for US$182,000. Shepherd’s dynamic skills make him a valuable addition to the team as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Rovman Powell, the West Indies T20I captain, was also acquired for US$182,000. The Kolkata Knight Riders secured Powell, banking on his leadership skills and explosive batting prowess to bolster their middle-order lineup.
Shamar Joseph Finds a Spot with Lucknow Super Giants
Pacer Shamar Joseph attracted interest from multiple franchises before the Lucknow Super Giants matched the Mumbai Indians’ bid of US$91,000 to secure his services. Joseph’s pace and ability to adapt to varying conditions make him a promising talent for the team.
Unsold West Indies Players
Despite the excitement surrounding the auction, some prominent West Indies players went unsold, including Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Akeal Hosein, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, and Roston Chase. While their skills are undeniable, the franchises seemed focused on other priorities this year.
Caribbean Representation in IPL 2025
With Rutherford, Shepherd, Powell, and Joseph joining IPL franchises, the West Indies will have notable representation in the tournament. Their performances will be closely watched as they aim to make significant contributions to their respective teams.
The 2025 IPL promises thrilling action, with players from around the globe showcasing their talents on one of the biggest stages in cricket. For West Indies fans, it will be an exciting season to follow the journey of their stars in this prestigious league.(Dubai7-Realmoneygame)