The IPL auction is known for transforming the lives of cricketers, and the 2025 edition in Jeddah was no different. Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma became the talk of the town after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured his services for a staggering ₹11 crore. This marked a record-breaking 5500% salary hike, the highest-ever in IPL history, compared to his previous pay of ₹20 lakh.
Unprecedented Auction Trends
The two-day mega auction shattered several records, with franchises spending ₹383.4 crore on 120 Indian players. Yuvraj Singh’s long-standing record of ₹16 crore, set in 2016, was surpassed multiple times during the event. Notable bids included:
Arshdeep Singh: ₹18 crore by Punjab Kings, surpassing Yuvraj’s record.
Shreyas Iyer: ₹26.75 crore to Punjab Kings, breaking Arshdeep’s record.
Rishabh Pant: ₹27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants, setting the highest-ever auction price.
Despite these massive numbers, Jitesh’s salary jump stood out due to the sheer percentage increase.
Jitesh Sharma’s Journey to Stardom
Jitesh, who made his IPL debut with Punjab Kings in 2022 for a base price of ₹20 lakh, consistently impressed with his explosive batting. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he struck at rates of 163 and 156, hitting 21 sixes in the 2023 campaign. His performances earned him a spot in India’s T20I squad and later the vice-captaincy of Punjab Kings.
Though Jitesh experienced a dip in form in 2024, scoring only 187 runs at a strike rate of 131, his unique skill set as a wicketkeeper-batter and finisher made him a hot commodity in the auction.
Why RCB Invested ₹11 Crore in Jitesh
RCB’s massive bid for Jitesh was driven by two primary factors:
- Demand for a Finisher: Jitesh’s ability to finish games, a challenging role in T20 cricket, made him a perfect fit for RCB.
- Replacement for Dinesh Karthik: With veteran finisher Dinesh Karthik retiring, Jitesh was seen as the ideal replacement to slot in at No.5 or lower, complementing a core that includes Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar.
Other Big Winners in the Auction
While Jitesh’s percentage hike was unmatched, several players received significant pay raises:
Venkatesh Iyer: Re-signed by KKR for ₹23.75 crore, up ₹15.75 crore from his previous ₹8 crore salary.
Shreyas Iyer: Signed by PBKS for ₹26.75 crore, a ₹14.50 crore increase from ₹12.25 crore.
Arshdeep Singh: Bought back by PBKS using the RTM card for ₹18 crore, a 3500% increase from ₹4 crore.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Signed by PBKS for ₹18 crore, the highest-ever for a spinner, surpassing Wanindu Hasaranga’s ₹10.75 crore.
Pant Sets a New Benchmark
Rishabh Pant emerged as the most expensive player in IPL history, signing with Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore. This marked an ₹11 crore hike from his previous salary of ₹16 crore with Delhi Capitals.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 auction once again highlighted the league’s transformative impact on players’ careers. Jitesh Sharma’s remarkable salary hike underscored the value of specialized skills, while other high-profile bids demonstrated the increasing competitiveness among franchises to secure top talent.
