Live IPL Auction 2025: Rishabh Pant Becomes Most Expensive Player with INR 27 Crore Bid by LSG
- Sports
- 24 Nov, 2024
The IPL 2025 mega auction delivered fireworks as Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament's history, securing a record-breaking INR 27 crore deal with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Pant's signing eclipsed the previous high of INR 26.75 crores, set just moments earlier by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Shreyas Iyer during the marquee M1 set of the live auction.
LSG entered the bidding war for Pant early and remained steadfast despite strong competition from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The intense battle peaked at INR 20.75 crores, at which point Delhi Capitals (DC) attempted to retain their former captain using the Right To Match (RTM) option. However, LSG raised the stakes to INR 27 crores, surpassing DC’s valuation and clinching the star wicketkeeper-batsman under the revised RTM regulations.
Pant’s historic payday followed another landmark moment earlier in the auction, where IPL 2024-winning captain Shreyas Iyer became the first Indian player to cross the INR 20 crore mark. Iyer’s signing ignited a fierce contest between his former teams, DC and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), before PBKS emerged victorious with their INR 26.75 crore bid.
PBKS showcased their auction muscle again by exercising an RTM to reclaim Arshdeep Singh for INR 18 crores. The World Cup-winning pacer was initially won by SRH for INR 15.75 crores before PBKS added INR 2.25 crores to bring him back.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans made significant acquisitions, snapping up Jos Buttler for INR 15.75 crores and Kagiso Rabada for INR 10.75 crores.
The live IPL auction has once again proven its reputation for delivering drama and record-breaking bids, setting the stage for an exhilarating IPL 2025 season.
