Whenever there is a mega auction, there is always curiosity about what will happen, who will be the big, expensive player, who will see no buyer, and among all of these, one question always takes the seat, which player will return to their former franchise? This time around, there are many, from Jofra Archer to Devdutt Padikkal. But apart from them, there are also a few big names set to represent the teams they already know. Not long ago, if we dial back just a year, Hardik Pandya went back to MI after serving GT for two years. Although his welcome was not so filled with happiness, but the following names are set to receive massive love as they are set to represent the IPL teams with which they are already familiar.
Ravichandran Ashwin
First and foremost is surely Ravichandran Ashwin, whose journey started with Chennai Super Kings back in 2009. Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, he made his debut, and over the years, he became a pillar of the yellow jersey. Ashwin last played for CSK in 2015, after which the CSK management and Ashwin parted ways. However, after many long years, he is all set to return to CSK, having previously played for Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and, most recently, Rajasthan Royals for the last three seasons.
Trent Boult
Wankhede will soon see Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult in action once again. Boult, once a key pacer for Mumbai Indians, is no stranger to the franchise, having played in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. His contribution in the 2020 IPL season was particularly immense, and that was one of the main reasons Mumbai Indians were able to win the cup that year. Boult picked up 25 wickets in that season. Although the team released him ahead of the IPL 2022 auction, he went on to join the Rajasthan Royals camp. Now, Boult is all set to return, with MI securing him at a whopping price of INR 12.50 crore.
Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell and his PBKS connection is a famous story, or rather, it can be said that he had his best years with this franchise. Maxwell, who garnered attention playing for PBKS from 2014 to 2020, became a key player, especially in the early years. In 2014, he was in charge of the batting unit, where his stylish batting took the bowlers apart. He scored 552 runs at a strike rate of 187.75. After a not-so-successful season with RCB in IPL 2024, Maxwell is all set to return to his old franchise, Punjab Kings, who bought him for Rs 4.20 crores.
