Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The first day of the IPL 2025 mega auction was nothing short of dramatic, with Indian players dominating the proceedings. Among the headline makers was Rishabh Pant, who shattered records by being sold to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for an unprecedented ₹27 crore. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer sparked a fierce bidding war before being snapped up by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹26.75 crore, making it a day to remember for Indian cricket fans.
Rishabh Pant Joins LSG in Historic Deal
Rishabh Pant’s IPL journey took a monumental turn after he was picked up by LSG for ₹27 crore, the highest-ever price paid for a player in IPL history. This massive bid followed weeks of speculation surrounding Pant’s future, especially after negotiations with Delhi Capitals (DC) reportedly stalled. LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka made a decisive final bid, leaving DC unable to match the offer despite using their Right to Match card. Pant is now poised to take on a leadership role for LSG, with the franchise eyeing him as their new captain.
Shreyas Iyer Finds New Home at PBKS
Shreyas Iyer, captain of IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), also commanded a staggering sum. PBKS secured the stylish middle-order batter for ₹26.75 crore, narrowly missing the record set minutes later by Pant. Shreyas’s leadership potential, combined with his solid batting credentials, made him one of the most sought-after players in the auction. PBKS, known for their aggressive bidding strategy, added Iyer to their roster as they aim to rebuild their team around experienced Indian players.
Indian Stars Dominate Top Buys
The day’s top five purchases were all Indian players, underscoring their value in a league that prioritizes homegrown talent. Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal each fetched ₹18 crore, while Venkatesh Iyer commanded ₹23.75 crore, rounding out the list of marquee signings. Together, these players accounted for a whopping ₹113.5 crore, highlighting the emphasis franchises place on Indian stars during mega auctions.
Strategic Moves Define Auction Dynamics
Franchises approached the auction with specific objectives, focusing on filling leadership roles and strengthening core teams. Pant and Shreyas became hot commodities due to their potential as captains, while PBKS and LSG led the way in making bold bids. The introduction of the Impact Player rule also influenced strategies, with teams prioritizing versatile players capable of making significant contributions in various scenarios.
Ricky Ponting’s Insights
PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting praised LSG’s acquisition of Pant, calling him “dynamic and a winner.” Ponting, who previously worked with Shreyas at DC, expressed satisfaction with PBKS’s decision to secure the batter, emphasizing the importance of having experienced Indian players in leadership positions.
Other Notable Deals
Among other significant moves, KL Rahul was signed by DC for ₹14 crore, a relatively modest sum compared to the day’s record-breaking deals. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin returned to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹9.75 crore, reuniting with MS Dhoni in what could be a nostalgic finale for the iconic duo.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 mega auction’s first day underscored the enduring value of Indian players in the league. With record-breaking bids for Pant and Iyer, alongside strategic moves by franchises, the auction set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Franchises clearly prioritized leadership, versatility, and Indian talent, making this auction a landmark event in IPL history.
