The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, has already etched its name in cricketing history, thanks to the staggering bids for marquee players. On the first day of the auction, the cricketing world witnessed a bidding war that culminated in Rishabh Pant being sold to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for an unprecedented ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The auction began with high expectations, but few could have predicted the intensity of the bidding for Pant. Initially, the bidding for Pant closed at ₹20.75 crore, with multiple teams showing interest. However, when Delhi Capitals (DC) exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card, the stakes were raised. LSG, not willing to back down, escalated their bid to ₹27 crore, a figure DC could not match, thus sealing Pant’s move to LSG.
Just minutes before Pant’s record-breaking sale, Shreyas Iyer had set a new benchmark by being sold to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹26.75 crore, surpassing the previous record held by Mitchell Starc. The rapid succession of these events underscored the aggressive strategy teams were adopting in the auction, reflecting the high value placed on these players for the upcoming IPL season.
Rishabh Pant sold for 27Cr to Lucknow Super Giants😭 (time to Support LSG as my 2nd favourite team) pic.twitter.com/bF0F0cmo9a
— Pulkit🇮🇳 (@pulkit5Dx) November 24, 2024
27.00cr – Rishabh Pant
26.75cr – Shreyas IyerNow Just imagine the Price……If This man Comes to an IPL Auction 🔥🐐#IPLAuction2025 pic.twitter.com/ccXBNS1zZv
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) November 24, 2024
Rishabh Pant the most expensive player in IPL with 27cr !!#IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/TRp144yaBu
— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) November 24, 2024
As expected Rishabh Pant 👏 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/Ofrbqad4Z5
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) November 24, 2024
4.16pm – Shreyas Iyer becomes the most expensive player in IPL history.
4.36pm – Rishabh Pant becomes the most expensive player in IPL history. pic.twitter.com/RDAPOT8n3i
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 24, 2024
Rishabh Pant + Shreyas Iyer = INR 53.75 cr
PSL tittle sponsorship = INR 46.50 cr pic.twitter.com/q4dI3VxptG
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) November 24, 2024
Rishabh pant got out on 1 and sold for 27 crores on the same day. That’s why you should never trust daily horoscopes.
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) November 24, 2024
This Takla uncle made PBKS buy Shreyas Iyer for 26.75 cr and made LSG buy Rishabh Pant for 27 cr….😂😂😂
Legendary stuff from Delhi Capitals. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/g0pBbYxpJ0
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) November 24, 2024
The sale of Pant for such an astronomical figure highlights his importance in the T20 format. Known for his explosive batting and wicket-keeping skills, Pant’s acquisition by LSG is seen as a strategic move to bolster their middle order and provide a dynamic presence behind the stumps. His price tag not only reflects his current form and potential but also the confidence teams have in his ability to deliver under pressure.
This auction has not only been about setting new financial benchmarks but also about the strategic planning of teams for the IPL 2025. The willingness of teams to spend lavishly indicates a shift towards investing heavily in proven talent, especially those who can anchor innings or provide that explosive start. Pant’s sale, in particular, might encourage other teams to rethink their auction strategies, focusing more on players who can offer versatility and impact.
The IPL 2025 mega auction, with its record-breaking bids, has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season. Fans and analysts alike are now eagerly waiting to see how these investments pay off on the field. Will Pant’s hefty price tag translate into match-winning performances for LSG? Only time will tell, but for now, the IPL has once again proven its status as not just a cricketing league but a spectacle of financial strategy and sporting ambition.
