Team India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has etched his name in IPL history by becoming the most expensive player ever, sold for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during the IPL 2025 auction.
The auction room witnessed intense drama as Rishabh Pant’s name came up. The bidding began with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) locking horns, driving up the price rapidly. Soon, Lucknow Super Giants entered the fray, upping the ante, while Sunrisers Hyderabad also made a strong push.
Lucknow placed an extraordinary bid of Rs 19.75 crore, prompting Delhi Capitals (DC) to use their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain Pant. However, Lucknow refused to back down, escalating their bid to Rs 27 crore. With that, Delhi was forced to step away, making Pant the marquee signing for LSG.
Pant breaks Shreyas Iyer’s record
Before Pant’s historic deal, Shreyas Iyer held the title of the most expensive IPL player. Iyer was picked by Punjab Kings for Rs 26.74 crore earlier in the auction after a fierce battle with Delhi Capitals.
Iyer, now the second most expensive player in IPL history, brings an impressive resume with 3127 runs in 116 IPL matches at an average of 32.23. His leadership abilities, highlighted by leading Delhi Capitals to the 2020 final and Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL 2024 title, have made him a sought-after player. Punjab Kings are banking on Iyer’s skills to secure their first-ever IPL title in 2025.
Key highlights:
- Rishabh Pant’s record: Rs 27 crore (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Shreyas Iyer’s record broken: Rs 26.74 crore (Punjab Kings)
- Pant’s deal marks a new era of record-breaking valuations in the IPL.
The IPL 2025 Mega Auctions continue to deliver electrifying moments, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
Disclaimer: This record is subject to change as it is updated based on the first list of IPL 2025 Mega Auctions, and can be broken by any player further.
