Most Expensive Player in IPL Auction 2025: Rishabh Pant Shatters Records with ₹27 Crore Deal!

Hey cricket lovers! If you thought IPL auctions were all about sixes and yorkers, the 2025 mega auction in Jeddah just upped the game with crorepati cricketers and jaw-dropping bids. This year, franchises splurged like never before, and the most expensive player in IPL auction 2025 turned out to be none other than India’s swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, who was snapped up by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a whopping ₹27 crore! Let’s unpack the drama, the big buys, and why Pant’s historic deal has everyone talking.

Rishabh Pant: The ₹27 Crore Mega Star

Before we dive into the auction frenzy, let’s rewind to why Pant became the hottest pick of IPL 2025. After a horrific car accident in 2022, Pant made a heroic comeback in 2024, proving he’s still a match-winner. Here are his top 3 performances that sealed his ₹27 crore price tag:

Pant’s Mumbai Miracle (IPL 2024):
Chasing 212 against Mumbai Indians, Pant smashed an unbeaten 78 off just 32 balls, including 7 sixes! His carnage earned him Player of the Match and left fans chanting, “Pant hai toh possible hai!”

1. 1. Captain Pant’s Playoff Push:
      Despite Delhi Capitals’ rocky start, Pant’s tactical genius (like promoting Axar Patel as a pinch-hitter) dragged the team to the playoffs. His leadership was praised as “Dhoni 2.0” by experts.
   2. Finale Fireworks vs KKR:
      In the 2024 eliminator, Pant scored a fiery 65 off 28 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, proving he thrives under pressure. No wonder LSG broke the bank for him!

IPL Auction 2025 Players: Top 10 Most Expensive Signings

The Jeddah auction wasn’t just about Pant. Teams went into a bidding war, making the IPL auction 2025 players list a mix of veterans and rising stars. Check out the top 10 biggest buys:

Breaking Down the Biggest Bids

1. Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 Cr – Punjab Kings):
   Fresh off leading KKR to the 2024 title, Iyer’s calm captaincy and 450+ runs in the season made Punjab Kings empty their pockets. Fans are already calling him the “King of Punjab”!
2. KKR’s Double Iyer Strategy:
   Kolkata Knight Riders spent big on Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 Cr) after his 2024 heroics (412 runs + 15 wickets). With Shreyas gone, Venkatesh is now KKR’s new MVP.
3. Punjab’s Purge-to-Splurge Move:
   Punjab Kings, with a ₹110.5 crore purse, went on a shopping spree! They grabbed death-over specialist Arshdeep Singh (₹18 Cr) and spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal (₹18 Cr), making their squad a T20 nightmare for opponents.

Flashback: Previous Record-Holders

Before the most expensive player in IPL auction 2025 stole the limelight, these legends ruled the charts:

• Mitchell Starc (₹24.75 Cr – KKR, 2024): The Aussie speedster’s comeback bid broke the bank.
• MS Dhoni ($1.5M – CSK, 2008): The OG “Captain Crorepati” who turned ₹12 Cr into 5 IPL trophies.
• Yuvraj Singh (₹16 Cr – DD, 2015): The original “Maharaja of Bids” until Pant dethroned him.

Fun Fact: Ben Stokes and Yuvraj are the only players to be the costliest buys twice!

Why Do Teams Spend Crazy Money?

The IPL auction 2025 players list isn’t just about cricket skills. Franchises pay for:

1. Brand Value: Stars like Pant sell jerseys, tickets, and sponsorships.
2. X-Factor: A Pant or Starc can win a match single-handedly.
3. Leadership: Captains like Dhoni or Iyer bring strategy and fan loyalty.

Final Thoughts

The most expensive player in IPL auction 2025, Rishabh Pant, isn’t just a player—he’s a statement. LSG’s ₹27 Cr bet reflects his power to transform franchises. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings’ ₹62.75 Cr splurge on Shreyas, Arshdeep, and Chahal shows they’re done being the “perennial underdogs”.

As we gear up for IPL 2025, one thing’s clear: cricket isn’t just a sport in India; it’s a billion-dollar emotion. Will Pant justify his price tag? Can Punjab finally lift the trophy? Only time will tell!

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