IPL 2025 Auction: Rishabh Pant Becomes Most Expensive Buy

The stage is set for the IPL 2025 season, with the mega auction becoming a high-stakes battlefield where franchises have splurged unprecedented amounts to secure their dream teams. The auction’s first day, held in Jeddah, witnessed historic deals, marquee player signings, and strategic acquisitions. With teams spending a staggering ₹467 crore on 72 players, anticipation is soaring for the second day of the event.

Day One Highlights: Record Deals and Surprises

The auction opened with a frenzy of bidding wars, particularly for marquee Indian players, leading to some jaw-dropping signings.

• Rishabh Pant Makes History: The standout moment was Rishabh Pant, who shattered all previous records to become the costliest player in IPL history, fetching ₹27 crore. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, beating intense competition. This acquisition underscores Pant’s status as a game-changer, despite his relatively mixed performance in white-ball cricket. Pant’s move to LSG was not merely about money. His departure from Delhi Capitals was reportedly influenced by a lack of assurance regarding his captaincy, signaling deeper dynamics at play.
• Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer Steal the Show: Shreyas Iyer commanded ₹26.75 crore, closely trailing Pant, while Venkatesh Iyer became the surprise of the auction. Returning to his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), for ₹23.75 crore, Venkatesh demonstrated the franchise’s faith in his abilities.
• 72 Players Sold on Day One:
  A total of 84 players went under the hammer, with 12 going unsold. The auction saw significant investments in both Indian and overseas talents, showcasing the diverse strategies of the franchises.

Anticipation for Day Two: Big Names in the Spotlight

As the franchises reconvene on Monday, attention shifts to the remaining slots, with marquee names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Faf du Plessis, Washington Sundar, Marco Jansen, Deepak Chahar, and Krunal Pandya expected to draw intense bidding wars.

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Washington Sundar:
  Known for their all-round abilities, these players are likely to attract high bids, with franchises eyeing depth in bowling and versatility in batting.
• Faf du Plessis:
  The seasoned South African brings leadership qualities and reliable batting to the table, making him a hot pick for teams in need of experience.
• Marco Jansen and Deepak Chahar:
  Both players offer exceptional bowling prowess and the ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, crucial for any team’s success.

Lucknow Super Giants’ Strategic Move: The Rishabh Pant Factor

The acquisition of Rishabh Pant by Lucknow Super Giants has been the talk of the auction. While Pant’s T20 statistics may not yet rival his Test exploits, his X-factor, explosive batting, and impeccable wicketkeeping make him an invaluable asset.

• Captaincy Potential:
  Pant’s leadership qualities are well-recognized, and LSG is likely to consider him a captaincy candidate for the upcoming season.
• Franchise Vision:
  LSG’s record-breaking ₹27 crore investment reflects their long-term strategy to build a formidable team around Pant’s skills and charisma.

Summary of IPL 2025 Mega Auction