The reunions in the IPL 2025 auction were dramatic as the big names of cricket are coming back to their franchises where they once etched their names. The fans and the faithful would just love to see some faces again in the jerseys of their former teams and these are the top five comeback players returning to where it all began for them.
1. Ravichandran Ashwin – Chennai Super Kings
One of the most important moments in IPL 2025 auctions came in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin‘s return to Chennai Super Kings. The veteran Indian off-spinner was bought for Rs. 9.75 crore, which meant returning to the franchise that was his first in the IPL. Ashwin initially gained prominence with CSK in 2009. He played a vital role for CSK in their championship-winning seasons in 2010 and 2011. Ashwin has represented Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. Now he is back to his parent club, bringing with him vast experience.
2. Glenn Maxwell – Punjab Kings
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is returning to Punjab Kings, a side he last played for in IPL 2020. The explosive batsman and big hitter, Maxwell had a great time with Punjab between 2014 and 2017. His best season came in 2014 when he scored 552 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 187.75. After four seasons with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Maxwell was picked up by Punjab for Rs. 4.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction and would look to rekindle his form with his old team.
3. Trent Boult – Mumbai Indians
Kivi pace bowler Trent Boult returns to Mumbai Indians after having represented Rajasthan Royals for two years. Boult, who was an integral part of Mumbai’s 2020 IPL title-winning team, took 25 wickets in 15 matches that season and played a key role in the team’s success. He was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 12.50 crore at the 2025 auction and will lead their pace attack alongside Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah. Fans will be eager to see Boult back in his old role as Mumbai’s spearhead.
4. Jofra Archer – Rajasthan Royals
England fast bowler Jofra Archer returns to Rajasthan Royals, the side that gave him his IPL debut in 2018. Archer was a star for the Royals, taking 46 wickets in just three seasons. His best year was in 2020 when he took 20 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of under 7. Injuries kept him out for most of the last few seasons, but with his fitness back on track, Archer will look to continue his excellent form for Rajasthan after being picked for Rs. 12.50 crore.
5. Devdutt Padikkal – Royal Challengers Bangalore
Stylish left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal is returning to Royal Challengers Bangalore after two seasons with Rajasthan Royals and a brief stint with Lucknow Super Giants. Padikkal started well in his IPL career with RCB in 2020, scoring 473 runs in his debut season. He then had another decent season in 2021 but was not so fortunate in 2024 for LSG, scoring only 38 runs in seven innings. Bought for Rs. 2 crore by RCB at the 2025 auction, Padikkal will be hoping his second stint with the franchise helps him rediscover his best T20 form.
These comebacks have rekindled the excitement among fans and promise to make the IPL 2025 season even more thrilling with these familiar faces returning to the fold.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
