 "IPL 2025 mega auction: Pant becomes costliest player with Rs 27 crore bid")
Generational talent Rishabh Pant made history at the IPL mega auction in Jeddah on Sunday, becoming the league’s most expensive player ever. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) broke the bank with a jaw-dropping Rs 27 crore bid, surpassing Shreyas Iyer’s brief reign as the costliest buy, who was snapped up by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs 26.75 crore.
Venkatesh Iyer steals the spotlight with Rs 23.75 crore bid*
While Pant grabbed the headlines, the biggest surprise was Venkatesh Iyer, who commanded a massive Rs 23.75 crore price tag from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Released earlier, KKR battled fiercely with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to reclaim the batting all-rounder, who has become a cornerstone of their squad.
Resilience redefined: Pant and Shreyas bounce back
Pant’s incredible journey from a life-threatening car accident in 2022 to this record-breaking moment is a testament to his resilience. Similarly, Shreyas Iyer overcame his exclusion from the BCCI central contracts list to lead KKR to their third IPL title earlier this year, cementing his status as a marquee player.
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Ricky Ponting rejoins forces with Shreyas at PBKS
PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting expressed his excitement about working with Shreyas Iyer again. “I called him before the auction, but he didn’t pick up. He’s a proven IPL captain, and I’m delighted to have him on board,” Ponting said. Shreyas, expectedly elated, stated he is looking forward to the new challenge.
Chahal and Rahul headline second-set surprises
In the second set of the auction, Yuzvendra Chahal fetched an impressive Rs 18 crore from PBKS despite being dropped from India’s T20 World Cup squad. Former LSG captain KL Rahul proved to be a bargain buy for Delhi Capitals (DC) at Rs 14 crore.
Big bids for Arshdeep, Rabada, and Shami
PBKS also exercised their Right to Match (RTM) to retain Arshdeep Singh for Rs 18 crore. The left-arm seamer had been their standout performer and the first player sold at the auction. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (GT) secured South African speedster Kagiso Rabada for Rs 10.75 crore, and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) bagged Mohammed Shami for Rs 10 crore.
Starc, Buttler, and Ashwin find new homes
Australian veteran Mitchell Starc, once the league’s costliest player, went to DC for Rs 11.75 crore, a significant drop from last year’s Rs 24.75 crore. England’s Jos Buttler joined GT for Rs 15.75 crore, adding explosive firepower to their lineup. In a heartwarming move, Ravichandran Ashwin returned to his roots as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bought him for Rs 9.75 crore.
Conway and Ravindra bolster CSK’s squad
CSK also made strategic buybacks, acquiring Devon Conway for Rs 6.25 crore and Rachin Ravindra for Rs 4 crore. Both players are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s campaign.
RTM drama and unsold surprises
Delhi Capitals used their RTM to reclaim Australian batter Jake Fraser McGurk for Rs 9 crore. However, IPL stalwart David Warner surprisingly went unsold on the first day, with no takers for his Rs 2 crore base price.