The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has turned into a spectacle of cricketing commerce, with teams splurging their large purses on an array of talents, both established stars and promising newcomers. Here’s a detailed rundown of today’s auction highlights, including the significant bids and the remaining purse for each franchise.
• Rishabh Pant shattered IPL auction records, becoming the most expensive player by fetching a staggering Rs 27 crore from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Pant’s acquisition signals LSG’s intent to bolster their squad with a dynamic captain-cum-wicketkeeper.
• Shreyas Iyer also set the auction ablaze, secured by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs 26.75 crore, making him one of the priciest Indian players in IPL history. His leadership and batting prowess will be pivotal for PBKS.
• Venkatesh Iyer, continuing his association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was bought for Rs 23.75 crore, emphasizing the team’s confidence in his all-round abilities.
• Yuzvendra Chahal fetched Rs 18 crore from Punjab Kings, showcasing the high value placed on spin in the T20 format.
• Arshdeep Singh was retained by Punjab Kings using their Right to Match (RTM) card for Rs 18 crore, underlining his importance as a key fast bowler.
• Kagiso Rabada joined Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs 10.75 crore, adding international flair to their bowling attack.
• KL Rahul went to Delhi Capitals (DC) for Rs 14 crore, a move likely aimed at strengthening their batting order and leadership.
• Jos Buttler was picked by Gujarat Titans for Rs 15.75 crore, providing them with a top-order batsman capable of match-winning performances.
• Mitchell Starc was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore, bringing his renowned pace to the team’s arsenal.
• Mohammed Siraj also joined Gujarat Titans for Rs 10 crore, further enhancing their bowling lineup.
• Punjab Kings (PBKS): With the highest purse initially, they’ve spent significantly but still have strategic funds left for potential future acquisitions.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): After securing Anuj Rawat for Rs 30 lakh, their remaining purse would focus on filling remaining slots with value picks.
• Delhi Capitals (DC): After major investments in Pant, Rahul, and Starc, their purse would be considerably reduced, focusing on budget buys for the rest of the squad.
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): With Venkatesh Iyer’s acquisition, they’ve likely spent a large chunk of their purse, aiming for strategic depth.
• Gujarat Titans (GT): Having picked up Rabada, Buttler, and Siraj, their purse would be managed to round off their team with necessary roles.
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): After the monumental bid for Pant, their purse would be tailored for filling remaining positions with cost-effective players.
• Rajasthan Royals (RR): With a relatively lower purse to start with, they would need to be very selective in their further bidding.
• Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would also have their purses adjusted based on their earlier acquisitions and the day’s bidding, focusing on balancing their teams with available funds.
The IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah has been a marathon of strategic investments, with teams like LSG and PBKS making bold statements through their high bids for Pant and Iyer. The auction’s outcome has set the stage for an exciting IPL season, where new team compositions will be put to the test.