IPL Auction 2025: Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer Fetch Record Prices as Indian Players Shine
Lucknow Super Giants Secure Rishabh Pant for ₹27 Crore, Shreyas Iyer Bought by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 Crore
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Rishabh Pant’s playful social media post last month hinted at the uncertainty of his IPL future. His retention talks with Delhi Capitals (DC) seemed stuck. Just six weeks later, Pant’s fate was sealed, as he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record ₹27 crore on Day 1 of the 2025 IPL mega auction.
High Drama in the Auction Room
The action-packed auction saw the record for the highest-priced IPL player being broken twice in quick succession. Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) captain, saw his price soar past the ₹24.75 crore paid to Mitchell Starc last year. Ultimately, Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured Shreyas for ₹26.75 crore.
In a swift turn, LSG outbid everyone to acquire Pant, who had been widely considered the most desirable player in the auction.
Indian Players Lead the Charge
The auction’s top five players were all Indian, a clear reflection of the market demand for homegrown talent. Along with Pant and Shreyas Iyer, pacer Arshdeep Singh (₹18 crore) and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (₹18 crore) also made the top list, while all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer fetched ₹23.75 crore. Together, these five Indian players cost teams ₹113.5 crore.
Pant’s bidding climbed rapidly past ₹20 crore, as four franchises fought for his signature. DC was also in the race but had already lost Shreyas to PBKS. As the bid reached ₹27 crore, LSG made the final winning move. DC backed out, and the Lucknow table celebrated securing Pant, likely their new captain.
Why Indian Players Are in Demand
Though players like Shreyas and Pant may not have the best T20 batting records, their value goes beyond raw stats. Teams prioritize filling leadership roles, and the appeal of Indian captains drove up the bidding. Both Pant and Shreyas were highly sought after not only for their cricketing skills but also for their leadership potential.
Pant, in particular, was seen as a future leader for LSG. “Everyone knows Rishabh’s value. He is dynamic, a winner. LSG has done well to get him,” said PBKS’ new head coach, Ricky Ponting. Shreyas’s acquisition by PBKS was equally significant, marking a personal win after a tough year for the middle-order batter.
Other Key Indian Acquisitions
In addition to Pant and Shreyas, other Indians also made waves. KL Rahul was bought by DC for ₹14 crore, a steal for the team in need of a new captain. Meanwhile, veteran spinner R. Ashwin returned to Chennai Super Kings for ₹9.75 crore, adding another exciting chapter to the auction.
The 2025 IPL mega auction confirmed that Indian players, especially those with leadership capabilities like Pant and Shreyas Iyer, continue to dominate the market. The growing demand for homegrown talent underlines the changing dynamics of the IPL, where Indian players are becoming increasingly invaluable.