Rishabh Pant marked his presence on day one of the IPL 2025 auction as the most expensive player. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spent a whopping Rs 27 crore, which makes around USD 3.21 million, to sign the star wicketkeeper-batter on day one of the mega auction in Jeddah. This was a new record for anyone in IPL history, and the 2025 auction, breaking the previous highest bid of Rs 26.75 crore by Punjab Kings (PBKS) earlier in the auction for Shreyas Iyer.
Both LSG and PBKS have brought marquee players to captain their teams because they were looking for leaders for their side in the next season. Well, Pant and Iyer adding to the relevant teams are good strong contenders for the next season of the IPL.
How Pant Became the Most Expensive Player in IPL 2025 Auction
The auction of Pant started with LSG and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). It was Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who joined the fray after RCB dropped out and took the price to INR 20.75 crore. In the last round, LSG outbid SRH for Pant but the drama didn’t stop there as Delhi Capitals had the Right to Match (RTM) option available.
Under the new auction rules, LSG could overrule DC’s RTM, by raising its bid. They did so, offering INR 27 crore, which DC chose not to match. Pant’s acquisition solidifies LSG’s leadership and batting depth. Owner Shashwat Goenka described the move as “well within the plan,” adding that the RTM rules influenced their strategy.
Shreyas Iyer Fetches INR 26.75 Crore
Not too far behind Pant was Shreyas Iyer, who emerged as the second most expensive purchase in the IPL 2025 auction, being sold to PBKS for INR 26.75 crore. The fight for Iyer left PBKS the winner over Delhi Capitals, who are also looking for a skipper. New coach Ricky Ponting of PBKS is, however, thrilled that he gets to team up with Iyer once more, especially since he has proved a great leader and batsman.
Pant and Iyer were not the only ones whom the fierce bidding saw. Venkatesh Iyer surprised everyone as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) threw INR 23.75 crore to get him. This made him the third most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (GT) strengthened its team by signing Jos Buttler for INR 15.75 crore and Kagiso Rabada for INR 10.75 crore. Delhi Capitals got KL Rahul for INR 14 crore, Mitchell Starc for INR 11.75 crore, and other promising performances in the auctions.
In The Wake of Record-Breaking Deals
A record price being paid to a cricketer in the IPL auction, Pant is one of the most expensive players in IPL 2025. The only significance of this action by Lucknow Super Giants is that they are not likely to bank much on the maturity and stability that they need for a consistent performance from Pant as a player.
Similarly, the price for Shreyas Iyer reveals the confidence of the Punjab Kings in his ability to make them win their maiden IPL title. Ricky Ponting’s reunion with Iyer gives more depth to the interest surrounding their campaign.
The IPL 2025 Auction Live is setting new benchmarks for player valuations with Rishabh Pant on the forefront. These historic deals have embodied the franchises’ desire to dominate the league with a star-studded lineup. Day two of the auction brings more fans out in hopes of experiencing more surprises and record-breaking bids.
Pant’s movement to LSG has come as a boost in making him the most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction and in making this season competitive. With such investments, the IPL is destined for yet another thrilling chapter in its legacy.