Record-Breaking Bids & Shocking Deals: Top 10 Players from the IPL 2025 Auction You Can’t Miss
The IPL 2025 auction left fans and cricket enthusiasts speechless with record-breaking bids, fierce bidding wars, and strategic buys. Teams pulled no punches in securing their desired players, showcasing the growing financial power of the league. Here’s a deep dive into the top 10 players who stole the show at this mega event.
1. Rishabh Pant – ₹27 Crore (Lucknow Super Giants)
Rishabh Pant’s meteoric rise as a T20 superstar was cemented when Lucknow Super Giants shelled out a jaw-dropping ₹27 crore for the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman. Known for his explosive batting and match-winning capabilities, Pant’s return from injury in IPL 2024 made him a prime target. Lucknow’s aggressive bid not only broke records but also set a new benchmark in IPL history
2. Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 Crore (Punjab Kings)
Punjab Kings made headlines with their acquisition of Shreyas Iyer, the charismatic batter with a proven leadership track record. At ₹26.75 crore, Iyer became one of the most expensive players in IPL history. Known for his ability to anchor innings and handle pressure, Iyer is expected to play a pivotal role in revamping Punjab’s middle order
3. Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Australian speedster Mitchell Starc created a bidding frenzy, eventually landing with Kolkata Knight Riders. With ₹24.75 crore, Starc emerged as the most expensive bowler in IPL 2025. His lethal yorkers and experience make him a game-changer in high-pressure matches. KKR fans hope Starc will bolster their bowling lineup and replicate his international success
4. Venkatesh Iyer – ₹23.75 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders)
KKR’s faith in Venkatesh Iyer was evident as they paid ₹23.75 crore to retain him. The all-rounder’s ability to shine with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset. Iyer’s consistent performances in IPL 2024 proved his worth, justifying KKR’s hefty investment to strengthen their core
5. Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 Crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Sunrisers Hyderabad spent big on Australian captain Pat Cummins, securing him for ₹20.50 crore. Known for his pace and leadership, Cummins is expected to lead the SRH squad in 2025. His tactical acumen and match-winning abilities make him a key figure for the team, aiming to regain their former glory
Strategic Buys and Surprising Retentions
Beyond the headline-grabbing deals, the auction also saw surprising retentions and RTM (Right to Match) card strategies that showcased the tactical brilliance of IPL franchises.
6. Yuzvendra Chahal – ₹18 Crore (Punjab Kings)
Punjab Kings strengthened their spin department by investing ₹18 crore in Yuzvendra Chahal. As one of the most experienced leg-spinners in T20 cricket, Chahal’s ability to deceive batsmen in the middle overs makes him a prized asset. Punjab’s strategy reflects their focus on spin-friendly pitches
7. Arshdeep Singh – ₹18 Crore (Punjab Kings)
Punjab Kings retained their star pacer Arshdeep Singh using an RTM card for ₹18 crore. Singh’s consistency as a death-overs specialist and his ability to swing the ball early on make him indispensable. With Chahal and Singh in their arsenal, Punjab has a formidable bowling lineup
8. Jos Buttler – ₹15.75 Crore (Gujarat Titans)
English wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler found a new home in Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 crore. Known for his blistering starts and innovative stroke play, Buttler adds firepower to the Titans’ top order. His experience in handling high-pressure situations makes him a perfect fit for a team aiming for their second IPL title
9. Rasikh Dar – ₹6 Crore (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
In a surprising move, Royal Challengers Bangalore spent ₹6 crore on Rasikh Dar. The Jammu & Kashmir pacer showed promise in IPL 2024, and RCB is banking on his potential to deliver in crucial matches. Dar’s selection highlights IPL’s role in unearthing young talent from across India
10. Mohit Sharma – ₹2.2 Crore (Delhi Capitals)
Veteran pacer Mohit Sharma’s resurgence was rewarded when Delhi Capitals acquired him for ₹2.2 crore. His experience and ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs will provide balance to Delhi’s bowling unit
.
Behind the Scenes: Key Trends and Insights
Big Spending on Proven Stars
The 2025 auction reaffirmed that franchises are willing to break the bank for players with a strong track record. Established names like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Mitchell Starc attracted massive bids, reflecting their proven match-winning capabilities.
Youth Takes Center Stage
Emerging players like Rasikh Dar and other young talents highlighted the IPL’s role as a platform for nurturing new talent. Teams displayed a keen interest in scouting and investing in potential rather than just experience.
Focus on All-Rounders and Bowlers
With the growing importance of all-rounders in T20 cricket, players like Venkatesh Iyer and Pat Cummins became hot commodities. Similarly, bowlers like Chahal and Arshdeep Singh fetched high prices, underscoring the significance of bowlers in crunch situations.
Strategic Use of RTM Cards
The strategic use of RTM cards by teams like Punjab Kings for Arshdeep Singh demonstrated the franchises’ reliance on their core players while maintaining budget flexibility.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for IPL 2025
With the auction complete, teams now gear up for the IPL 2025 season. Here are some predictions:
- Lucknow Super Giants: With Rishabh Pant leading their batting, LSG emerges as a strong contender for the title.
- Punjab Kings: Their investment in Chahal and Iyer positions them as a balanced team with a mix of youth and experience.
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Reuniting with Venkatesh Iyer and acquiring Starc bolsters their chances for a strong campaign.
The IPL 2025 auction has set the stage for another thrilling season, with teams armed with renewed energy and superstar talent. Whether these purchases translate into on-field success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: IPL continues to dominate the cricketing world as a high-stakes spectacle.
