IPL 2025 mega auction: MI opt out of RTM as Punjab Kings buy Nehal Wadhera for 4.2 crores

Nehal Wadhera scored 109 runs for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024.

Nehal Wadhera has built his reputation as one of the most stylish young players to watch in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Wadhera’s stroke playing has often drawn comparisons to one of India’s all-time greats, Yuvraj Singh.

Nehal announced his arrival on the big stage with his fluent knock of 81 in the India vs Sri Lanka U 19 game. He made his IPL debut in 2023 playing for Mumbai Indians (MI).

Punjab Kings buy Nehal Wadhera for INR 4.2 crores

Punjab Kings have roped in young Indian batter Nehal Wadhera for a salary of INR 4.2 crores. A total of four teams expressed interest in acquiring the middle-order batsman. In the final stages, PBKS battled it out with Delhi Capitals (DC) to win the bid.

Wadhera will add depth to Punjab’s middle order. His ability to score freely against spinners will be valuable in the spin-friendly venue of Mullanpur.

Nehal Wadhera previously in the IPL

Nehal’s IPL journey started in 2023 when he was picked by MI for INR 20 lakhs. He was given the role of batting in the middle order where he excelled scoring 241 runs at a strike rate of 145. His best IPL performance came against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk in 2023, where he played a brilliant innings of 64.

Retained in 2024, Wadhera was given limited opportunities by the franchise. Wadhera scored 109 runs in six innings with a strike rate of 126. He has scored two half-centuries in his IPL career.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.