IPL 2025: 3 Fairytale Homecomings Which Fans Didn't Manifest Before Mega Auction

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Bhuvneshwar Kumar for SRH and RCB [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @GappaCricket/x.com]Bhuvneshwar Kumar for SRH and RCB [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @GappaCricket/x.com]

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The Indian Premier League is often known as a breeding ground for talents. From young players to veteran stars, everyone has used the IPL as a stage to showcase their skills. Besides being an international-level stage for cricketing talents to showcase themselves, IPL is also known for the changing equation of the franchises.

With every IPL auction, the viewers see a lot of change in the team and player dynamics. While some players leave their long-time franchises, some players return to their old teams after a few seasons. During the IPL 2025 auction, we have witnessed some of these changes. Here are three players who have returned to their previous franchises after such a long time that you probably don’t remember them being a part of that squad.

3. Karn Sharma To Mumbai Indians

Karn Sharma playing for Mumbai Indians [Source: @Shebas_10dulkar/x.com]Karn Sharma playing for Mumbai Indians [Source: @Shebas_10dulkar/x.com]

Karn Sharma has seen quite a few team changes in his IPL career. Notably, during the IPL 2025 auction, the Mumbai Indians bought Sharma for INR 50 Lakhs. This will not be his first time in the MI dressing room. He was part of the MI team that won the title in IPL 2017.

He also played nine games for the Mumbai team during that season. In those nine games, Sharma took seven wickets and had an economy of 10.58. He probably did not leave the impact that the franchise expected of him and was not bought back during the next auction.

2. Vijay Shankar To Chennai Super Kings

Vijay Shankar for CSK [Source: @CSKFansOfficial/x.com]Vijay Shankar for CSK [Source: @CSKFansOfficial/x.com]

Chennai Super Kings bought the Indian all-rounder during the IPL 2025 auction for INR 1.2 Cr. However, this will not be the first time that Vijay Shankar will be seen in CSK colours. He was part of the CSK set-up in 2014 and also made his IPL debut with them. 

Shankar played only a match during his time with CSK in IPL 2014. He did not get a chance to bat; however, he bowled an over and conceded 19 runs without getting a wicket.

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar To Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the services of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for INR 10.75 Cr during the IPL 2025 auction. However, this will not be Bhuvi’s first time in the RCB set-up. RCB offered a young Bhuvneshwar Kumar an IPL contract during IPL 2009. He was a part of the squad for a couple of years but did not get a single game. 

Bhuvi was released the following year and was bought by Pune Warriors India (now disbanded), where he made his IPL debut. RCB have had their struggles with their bowling in the previous seasons and will be hoping to improve on that front with the inclusion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar in IPL 2025.