Shreyas Iyer made history in the IPL 2025 auction by becoming the most expensive player ever in IPL history. He also set a record as the most expensive Indian player, surpassing Mitchell Starc’s previous record. Starc was bought by KKR for ₹24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction. This time, there was a bidding war between Delhi and Punjab Kings for Iyer, with Punjab Kings ultimately securing the Indian batsman for ₹26.75 crore.
Punjab Kings and KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) started bidding for Shreyas Iyer, there was a battle between the two to buy Iyer, after which Delhi Capitals also started bidding for Iyer. After this, there was a bidding race between Punjab and Delhi and finally, Punjab Kings included Iyer in their team by placing a record bid of 26.75 crores.
Historic Bid on Shreyas Iyer
This is the first time in IPL auction history that a player has been bid for more than ₹25 crore. Punjab Kings made a strong push to add Shreyas Iyer to their squad, eventually outbidding all contenders, including Delhi Capitals, and securing him for ₹26.75 crore.
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN – YOU’RE LOOKING AT THE MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER IN IPL HISTORY
Shreyas Iyer Sold out To PUNJAB KINGS for 26.75 Cr 💸💸💰 pic.twitter.com/TeOH67GOB3
— Deepak singh (@Deepaks16615035) November 24, 2024
Iyer Could Be the New Captain of the Punjab Kings
With Shreyas Iyer now in their team, Punjab Kings have made a historic acquisition. There are high expectations that Iyer could be appointed as the new captain of the team moving forward.
In the first set, several notable players attracted bids, including Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Mitchell Starc. Both Iyer and Pant are being considered as potential future captains.
Arshdeep Singh’s Bidding Battle
The first bidding war was for Arshdeep Singh. CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad placed initial bids, followed by Gujarat Titans, RCB, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals. Arshdeep’s base price was ₹2 crore, but Sunrisers Hyderabad placed the highest bid of ₹15.75 crore. Punjab Kings, however, used their RTM (Right to Match) and secured him for ₹18 crore. Arshdeep had previously been part of Punjab Kings.
Arshdeep Singh – ₹18 crore (Punjab Kings – RTM)
#IPLAuction2025 | Punjab Kings exercise Right to Match option to retain star bowler Arshdeep Singh for ₹18 crore in the first bid of the IPL mega auction 2025#PunjabKings # Arshdeep Singh # IPLAuctions #IPLAuction #IPL @IPLhttps://t.co/mCCjpkJpco
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) November 24, 2024
Kagiso Rabada’s Bid
Kagiso Rabada also attracted significant interest. Initially, RCB and Gujarat Titans placed bids, followed by Mumbai Indians. In a close competition, Gujarat Titans secured him for ₹10.75 crore.
Kagiso Rabada – ₹10.75 crore (Gujarat Titans)