IPL 2025 Auction: Rishabh Pant to Yuzvendra Chahal, Top 5 Most Expensive Buys of the Season

The IPL 2025 auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle. Fans and franchises witnessed a flurry of bidding wars that set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season. As expected, the auction broke records, with top players commanding astronomical prices. From seasoned stars to emerging talents, the excitement reached fever pitch as teams competed fiercely to secure their ideal squads. Here’s a closer look at the top five most expensive buys of the IPL 2025 auction and what makes them worth every penny.

1. Rishabh Pant: ₹27 Crore (Lucknow Super Giants)

The Most Expensive Player of IPL 2025

In a historic moment, Lucknow Super Giants went all out to acquire Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, making him the most expensive player of the season. Pant’s fearless batting, combined with his match-winning abilities, made him a prized asset. After recovering from his injury, Pant is ready to reclaim his spot as one of India’s most explosive cricketers. Fans eagerly await his leadership on the field, where he’s expected to be a game-changer for Lucknow.

2. Shreyas Iyer: ₹26.75 Crore (Punjab Kings)

Breaking Records as Punjab's Crown Jewel

The Punjab Kings made headlines by bidding a staggering ₹26.75 crore for Shreyas Iyer. Known for his consistency and calm demeanor under pressure, Iyer is set to anchor the middle order for Punjab. His proven track record as a leader and a batter makes him a key player in Punjab’s bid for their maiden IPL title.

3. Arshdeep Singh: ₹18 Crore (Retained by Punjab Kings)

The Local Hero Stays Home

Punjab Kings exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain their ace pacer Arshdeep Singh for ₹18 crore. Arshdeep’s remarkable ability to bowl in the death overs and his knack for picking up crucial wickets make him a vital cog in Punjab’s lineup. His growing reputation as one of India’s premier bowlers added to the intense bidding war for his services.

4. Yuzvendra Chahal: ₹18 Crore (Punjab Kings)

Spin Wizard Finds a New Home

Another big acquisition for Punjab Kings was the experienced leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. At ₹18 crore, Chahal is expected to lead the spin department with his clever variations and ability to outfox even the best batters. His inclusion strengthens Punjab’s bowling attack and adds depth to their playing XI.

5. Jos Buttler: ₹15.75 Crore (Gujarat Titans)

Gujarat Secures England’s Power Hitter

The Gujarat Titans spent ₹15.75 crore to secure the services of England’s dynamic batter Jos Buttler. A proven match-winner, Buttler’s aggressive approach at the top of the order promises fireworks. His ability to dominate bowlers in the powerplay and finish games makes him an invaluable addition to the Titans.

The Auction That Redefined IPL’s Financial Landscape

The IPL 2025 auction wasn’t just about splashing cash; it was about strategizing and building winning teams. While Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer grabbed the headlines, other notable buys included KL Rahul (₹14 crore, Delhi Capitals) and Mitchell Starc (₹11.75 crore, Delhi Capitals). Franchises showed a keen eye for retaining star players and betting on proven performers.

What Lies Ahead?

With the most expensive players locked in, all eyes are now on how these big names will perform in the upcoming season. The IPL isn’t just a tournament; it’s an emotion for millions of fans worldwide. These record-breaking purchases reflect the faith franchises place in their players to deliver under pressure.