The IPL Auction 2025 in Jeddah made headlines with jaw-dropping bids, unexpected moves, and strategic battles among franchises. From Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player in IPL history to intense bidding wars for marquee players, the auction set new benchmarks. Fans were glued to the action as teams built their dream squads for the upcoming season.
If you’re wondering who went where, which players broke records, and how teams strategized for the league, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the biggest moments, standout deals, and surprises from this year’s IPL Auction.
Rishabh Pant Becomes the Most Expensive Player in IPL History
What makes a player worth ₹27 crore? For Rishabh Pant, it’s his explosive batting, leadership qualities, and unmatched resilience. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) smashed all previous records by securing Pant for ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive IPL player ever.
How did Pant surpass Shreyas Iyer?
Earlier in the auction, Shreyas Iyer had briefly held the top spot with a ₹26.75 crore bid from Punjab Kings. However, LSG’s late-game move for Pant sealed the deal, leaving Delhi Capitals (DC) to use their Right to Match (RTM) card at ₹20.75 crore before stepping out of the race.
Pant’s journey from adversity to success added emotional weight to his value. LSG sees him not only as a wicketkeeper-batter but also as a potential captain, making this record-breaking bid a strategic investment.
Shreyas Iyer and Other Big Buys
Shreyas Iyer, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain who led his team to a title earlier this year, fetched a staggering ₹26.75 crore from Punjab Kings. Iyer’s price reflects his strong leadership and consistent performances.
Other major signings include:
- Yuzvendra Chahal: Acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore.
- KL Rahul: Picked by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore.
- Venkatesh Iyer: Retained by KKR at ₹23.75 crore.
- Mohammed Shami: Secured by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹10 crore.
A Look at International Stars in the IPL Auction 2025
While Indian players dominated the headlines, international cricketers also garnered significant attention.
Who were the top international picks?
- Kagiso Rabada: Snapped up by Gujarat Titans for ₹10.75 crore.
- Jos Buttler: Signed by Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 crore.
- Mitchell Starc: Bagged by Delhi Capitals for ₹11.75 crore.
- Phil Salt: Attracted ₹11.50 crore from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Franchises clearly prioritized international bowlers and all-rounders, highlighting the demand for balance in squads.
Surprise Picks and Bargains
Every IPL auction has its share of surprises, and 2025 was no different.
Biggest surprises:
- David Miller: Secured for just ₹7.5 crore by LSG.
- Noor Ahmad: A young Afghan spinner sold to Chennai Super Kings for ₹10 crore.
- Devon Conway: Bagged by CSK for ₹6.25 crore, a steal for a consistent top-order batter.
Meanwhile, experienced players like David Warner and Kane Williamson surprisingly went unsold.
Complete Player List and Team Strategies
Top Players and Their Prices
Here’s a quick glance at some of the biggest deals:
| Player | Team | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | LSG | 27 crore |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | 26.75 crore |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | PBKS | 18 crore |
| Venkatesh Iyer | KKR | 23.75 crore |
| KL Rahul | DC | 14 crore |
| Mohammed Siraj | GT | 12.25 crore |
Franchises seemed to focus on all-rounders and bowlers, reflecting the evolving nature of T20 cricket.
What’s Next for the IPL 2025 Season?
With squads almost finalized, teams are gearing up for the 2025 IPL season. Key questions remain:
- Will Rishabh Pant justify his record-breaking price tag?
- How will Shreyas Iyer perform as Punjab Kings’ captain?
- Can international stars adapt to Indian pitches?
The IPL 2025 promises to be a season full of high-octane action, dramatic moments, and unforgettable performances.
Conclusion
The IPL Auction 2025 proved to be a game-changer, setting new records and redefining franchise strategies. With marquee players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer taking center stage, the stakes for the upcoming season are higher than ever.
Stay tuned as the teams prepare for yet another thrilling edition of the Indian Premier League!
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