IPL Auction: Indians Shine as Rishabh Pant Sets Record with ₹27 Crore Deal

In a thrilling start to the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Indian cricketers dominated the proceedings, with Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer emerging as the most sought-after players. The auction witnessed record-breaking bids within minutes, highlighting the high demand for homegrown talent.

Rishabh Pant’s Record-Breaking Deal

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made headlines by acquiring India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for a staggering ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. This development came after weeks of speculation regarding Pant’s future with Delhi Capitals (DC), with retention talks reportedly falling through.

Pant’s auction value soared as four franchises engaged in an aggressive bidding war. Although DC exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card, LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka’s decisive bid sealed the deal. Pant is now expected to take over as LSG's captain, a move praised by cricket pundits.

“Everyone knows Rishabh’s value. He’s dynamic and a winner. LSG has done well to get him,” said PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting.

Shreyas Iyer: A Close Second

Shreyas Iyer, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, fetched ₹26.75 crore, with Punjab Kings (PBKS) emerging victorious in a fierce bidding war. PBKS’s aggressive strategy underscored their intent to rebuild with an Indian captain at the helm.

Despite a tumultuous year that saw Iyer lose his national contract and KKR opting against retaining him, his market value remained undiminished. “I’m elated to join PBKS and look forward to contributing to their success,” Iyer said post-auction.

Other Big Spends

The top five contracts on Day 1 were dominated by Indian players:

• Venkatesh Iyer: ₹23.75 crore to KKR
• Arshdeep Singh: ₹18 crore to PBKS
• Yuzvendra Chahal: ₹18 crore to Rajasthan Royals

KL Rahul, another marquee player, proved a bargain at ₹14 crore, joining DC as they sought a new skipper. Meanwhile, R Ashwin’s return to Chennai Super Kings (₹9.75 crore) sparked nostalgia among fans.

The Auction Dynamics

The 2025 mega auction once again highlighted the IPL’s unique market dynamics, where the scarcity of Indian captains and specific skill sets drive bidding wars. Both Pant and Iyer’s hefty price tags underscore the value franchises place on leadership and adaptability under the new Impact Player Rule.

Looking Ahead

With Day 2 of the auction still to come, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await more action-packed bidding. As the IPL prepares for its 18th season, the stakes have never been higher for players and teams alike.

Stay tuned for more updates on this historic IPL auction.