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Lucknow Super Giants Sign Rishabh Pant for a Record-Breaking INR 27 Crores
Rishabh Pant has entered IPL history books as the most expensive player ever signed in an IPL auction. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the star wicketkeeper-batter for a record INR 27 crores, breaking the previous mark set by Punjab Kings when they signed Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crores earlier in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
A Heated Bidding Battle for Pant
The competition for Pant was fierce from the outset. LSG entered the race early and fended off strong bids from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The bidding reached INR 20.75 crores when Delhi Capitals (DC) indicated their intention to use the Right To Match (RTM) card. However, LSG raised their offer to INR 27 crores, which proved to be beyond DC’s valuation of their former captain.
Shreyas Iyer, the IPL 2024-winning captain, previously set the stage for big numbers in the auction when Punjab Kings signed him for INR 26.75 crores. His acquisition was preceded by a bidding war involving DC and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), both of whom he had captained in the past.
Find out how the IPL 2025 auction has reshaped team strategies.
Other Players Crossing the 20-Crore Mark
Venkatesh Iyer, a standout performer in KKR’s IPL 2024 triumph, joined the elite 20-crore club. KKR retained him for INR 23.75 crores after a closely contested bidding war with RCB. His match-winning knocks in the playoffs significantly bolstered his value.
Meanwhile, other marquee players also commanded high prices. Jos Buttler, former Orange Cap winner, went to Gujarat Titans for INR 15.75 crores. KL Rahul, despite his consistent performances, saw a reduced price of INR 14 crores when DC signed him.
Pace Bowlers and Spinners Command Attention
India’s World Cup-winning pacer Arshdeep Singh became the highest-paid bowler in the auction, joining SRH for INR 15.75 crores. Punjab Kings considered using their RTM card but pulled out as the bidding escalated. Other notable bowlers included Josh Hazlewood and Jofra Archer, both purchased for INR 12.5 crores by RCB and Rajasthan Royals, respectively.
Among spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal led the charts, joining PBKS for INR 18 crores. Ravichandran Ashwin returned to CSK for INR 9.75 crores, while CSK also acquired Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad for INR 10 crores.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction Highlights
- Most Expensive Player: Rishabh Pant (LSG) – INR 27 crores
- Other Big Bids: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – INR 26.75 crores, Venkatesh Iyer (KKR) – INR 23.75 crores
- Top Bowler: Arshdeep Singh (SRH) – INR 15.75 crores
- Top Spinner: Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) – INR 18 crores
The IPL 2025 auction has set new benchmarks and reshaped team compositions. Stay tuned for more updates as teams gear up for another thrilling season.
Visit the official IPL website for full auction details.
