The two-day IPL 2025 auction concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 25, with Rishabh Pant emerging as the highest-priced player. Pant’s massive bid of Rs 27 crore from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) broke the previous record for the biggest auction price. Shreyas Iyer followed closely with a bid of Rs 26.75 crore from Punjab Kings. Here’s a breakdown of the costliest player for each IPL franchise:
1. Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (Rs 27 crore)
Pant, who was released by Delhi Capitals (DC), was purchased by LSG after an intense bidding war involving Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi. This marks Pant’s first move away from his hometown franchise. His transfer eclipsed Mitchell Starc’s Rs 24.75 crore price from the previous year, setting a new auction record. Pant is expected to captain LSG for the 2025 season.
2. Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (Rs 26.75 crore)
After being released by KKR, Iyer returned to the IPL with a massive Rs 26.75 crore deal from Punjab Kings. Despite leading KKR to their third title in 2024, he was not retained by the franchise. Punjab, searching for a marquee player and potential captain, likely has Iyer in mind for leadership duties in 2025.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders: Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 23.75 crore)
In a surprise move, KKR spent Rs 23.75 crore to bring back Venkatesh Iyer. The all-rounder, who played a key role in KKR’s IPL 2024 title win, was not retained by the team but rejoined after a bidding battle with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
4. Gujarat Titans: Jos Buttler (Rs 15.75 crore)
England’s Jos Buttler fetched Rs 15.75 crore from Gujarat Titans in a competitive bidding war. Buttler, who was released by Rajasthan Royals, brings his vast experience and leadership qualities to Gujarat after several successful seasons with Rajasthan and Mumbai Indians.
5. Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (Rs 14 crore)
KL Rahul, who had a base price of Rs 2 crore, was the most expensive buy for Delhi Capitals, who secured him for Rs 14 crore. After being released by LSG, Rahul is expected to take over the captaincy from Rishabh Pant, who was not retained by Delhi.
6. Rajasthan Royals: Jofra Archer (Rs 12.50 crore)
Rajasthan Royals acquired England pacer Jofra Archer for Rs 12.50 crore. Archer returns to the IPL after a long injury hiatus and adds experience and skill to the Royals’ bowling attack.
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7. Mumbai Indians: Trent Boult (Rs 12.50 crore)
Mumbai Indians bagged New Zealand pacer Trent Boult for Rs 12.50 crore. Boult, known for his early breakthroughs, reunites with former MI teammate Jasprit Bumrah, forming a formidable fast-bowling duo once again.
8. Royal Challengers Bangalore: Josh Hazlewood (Rs 12.50 crore)
RCB secured Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for Rs 12.5 crore. Hazlewood, who had a successful stint with RCB in 2021, is set to lead their pace attack in 2025, bringing added experience to their bowling department.
9. Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan (Rs 11.25 crore)
Ishan Kishan moved to SRH for Rs 11.25 crore, a significant decrease from the Rs 15.25 crore Mumbai Indians paid for him in 2022. Despite Mumbai starting the bidding, SRH outbid other teams to sign the wicketkeeper-batter.
10. Chennai Super Kings: Noor Ahmad (Rs 10 crore)
Chennai Super Kings secured Afghanistan’s young spinner Noor Ahmad for Rs 10 crore after a bidding war with Mumbai Indians. Ahmad’s acquisition, along with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, strengthens CSK’s spin-bowling department for the 2025 season.
This year’s IPL auction saw franchises making strategic purchases, strengthening their squads in preparation for the upcoming season.
