India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has acknowledged that there is a minimal level of thought among players regarding the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, despite the team’s focus being primarily on their ongoing T20I series against South Africa. Yadav stated that while the IPL auction is not at the forefront of their minds, it is only natural for players to have some thoughts about it, given the massive stakes involved in the auction process.
Speaking at the toss for the first match of the series in Durban, which India went on to lose with South Africa opting to bat first, Suryakumar reflected on how the team is approaching the series. He explained that while the IPL auction is a consideration for some players, the team’s primary objective is to perform well and build momentum ahead of the upcoming challenges. He highlighted that it is a human tendency to think about the auction, given how crucial it is for players’ careers, but emphasised that the team’s focus remains on the task at hand: performing in the T20I series.
SA vs IND, 1st T20I: Live score and reactions
“We were looking to bat first. The wicket looks nice, better than the practice wicket and we will try to put runs on the board. The guys in the dressing room have made my job easier, the fearless approach they play with for their respective franchises and have brought the same approach to the team,”
“It is a human tendency, you can’t lie. When you come here to play a series, a lot at stake,”
This series against South Africa comes on the back of India’s strong form in the T20I format, having won series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. However, following the Test team’s disappointing whitewash defeat to New Zealand, the T20I series has gained additional importance, as it serves as a confidence booster for the squad.
Though India’s playing XI for the opener did not feature any debutants, several players in the squad, such as IPL 2024 breakout stars Ramandeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Yash Dayal, will view the series as a key opportunity to prove their international credentials ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The performances in these matches could play a pivotal role in determining their future in the IPL, adding an extra layer of pressure to an already crucial series for India.
