Rishabh Pant has set a new benchmark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, becoming the most expensive player in history after being sold to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 27 crore (approx. USD 3.21 million) on the first day of the mega auction in Jeddah. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter shattered the previous record held by Punjab Kings (PBKS), who had earlier secured Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crore (approx. USD 3.18 million).
Both Pant and Iyer are expected to assume leadership roles for their respective teams, filling the captaincy voids left by their former captains. Pant’s high-profile move is particularly significant as it surpasses the previous IPL auction record of INR 24.75 crore, set last year when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Mitchell Starc.
The bidding war for Pant began with LSG and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) competing for his services, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) joining the fray. The price surged to INR 20.75 crore before SRH pulled out, leaving LSG as the highest bidder. When Delhi Capitals (DC) exercised their right-to-match (RTM) option, LSG responded by raising their bid to INR 27 crore, prompting DC to forgo the chance to reclaim Pant.
LSG owner Shashwat Goenka expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This was very much part of our plan. It wasn’t really about a magic number, just a number to ensure the RTM wasn’t exercised.”
Meanwhile, PBKS spent heavily to secure Shreyas Iyer, their new captain. The bidding started with KKR, who initially aimed to buy back their title-winning skipper. However, when the price escalated, PBKS and DC entered the contest. PBKS triumphed with a bid of INR 26.75 crore, making Iyer one of the top buys of the auction.
PBKS coach Ricky Ponting, who worked closely with Iyer during their time at DC, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “I’m delighted to work with him again. If he can bring his leadership and success to PBKS, I’ll be thrilled.”
In a surprising twist, allrounder Venkatesh Iyer attracted intense bidding before being purchased by KKR for INR 23.75 crore. This marked a return to KKR for the promising allrounder, whose price tag was a shock to many.
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Among the other major deals of the day, Rajasthan Royals (RR) failed to secure Jos Buttler, who was eventually bought by Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 15.75 crore. GT also acquired South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for INR 10.75 crore, reinforcing their bid for success. Delhi Capitals made several strategic moves, securing players like KL Rahul for INR 14 crore, further strengthening their squad.
In a notable turn of events, Yuzvendra Chahal, who had a somewhat underwhelming IPL 2022 auction, saw a dramatic rise in value this year. After intense competition, PBKS acquired the star leg-spinner for INR 18 crore. Chahal expressed his surprise at the high bid, stating, “I had no idea it would be for such a high price. Wherever you go, you always have the opportunity to learn and grow.”
On the flip side, the auction witnessed several surprises, notably the unsold status of big names like David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. Despite their prolific IPL records, both players went unbid during the first round, with the possibility of their return in the accelerated round.
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With several top players still in contention for big bids and teams making tactical purchases, the IPL 2025 mega auction promises to bring more excitement as franchises finalize their squads.
As the auction continues, attention will shift to the strategic acquisitions made by teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have already bolstered their roster with significant buys, and Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals, who will aim to strengthen their squads in the next rounds.
