Table of Contents
The IPL 2025 auction was a thrilling event, marked by record-breaking bids as franchises competed fiercely for top talent. Here are the top 10 players who commanded the highest prices:
1. Rishabh Pant
- Role: left-handed wicket-keeper – Batter
- Team: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- price: Rs 27 crore
Rishabh Pant has emerged as a pivotal figure in T20 cricket. Joining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a staggering Rs 27 crore, he has become the most expensive player in IPL history. Along with this record-breaking deal, Pant is also set to take on a leadership role at LSG.
2. Shreyas Iyer
- Role: right-handed batter
- Team: Punjab Kings
- price: ₹26.75 crore
He has captained Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to IPL finals. Renowned for his consistent middle-order batting, he excels at attacking spin bowling with ease.
3. Venkatesh Iyer
- Role: all-rounder
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
- price: ₹23.75 crore
KKR has displayed strong loyalty recently, and Venkatesh Iyer reaped the rewards, securing Rs 23.75 crore in the mega auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) went all in to sign him, and his consistent playoff performances over the years have delivered impressive results this time around.
4. Arshdeep Singh
- Role: left-arm pacer
- Team: Punjab Kings
- Price: Rs 18 crore
The left-arm pacer was India’s second-best bowler, after Jasprit Bumrah, in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning team this year. However, he was not retained by Punjab Kings (PBKS). Despite this, PBKS used their Right to Match (RTM) card to bring Arshdeep back for Rs 18 crore. Interestingly, they could have kept him as their first pick for the same price before the auction.
5. Yuzvendra Chahal
- Role: leg-spin bowler
- Team: Punjab Kings
- Price: 18 crore
The former Rajasthan Royals (RR) leg spinner, Chahal, secured a substantial sum, thanks to Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) large budget. As the top wicket-taker in IPL history, he’s expected to thrive at PBKS’s home ground, where the larger boundaries provide him with more chances to take wickets.
6. Jos Buttler
- Role: right-handed wicket-keeper, batsman
- Team: Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Price: 15.75 crore
Gujarat Titans (GT) have strengthened their top order by securing Jos Buttler for Rs 15.75 crore in the mega auction. A standout performer in the IPL, Buttler won the Orange Cap in 2022 when his team finished as runners-up. This time, he is also set to take on the wicket-keeping role for GT, a position he didn’t play at Rajasthan Royals (RR).
7. KL Rahul
- Role: right-handed wicket-keeper, batter
- Team: Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Price: 14 Crore
Delhi Capitals (DC) have replaced Rishabh Pant with fellow national team wicket-keeper KL Rahul, securing the right-hander for Rs 14 crore. However, Rahul could face a captaincy challenge from Faf du Plessis, whom DC signed for just Rs 2 crore.
8. Trent Boult
- Role: left-arm fast-medium bowler
- Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Price: 12.50 Crore
The New Zealand fast bowler returned to Mumbai Indians (MI) for a hefty Rs 12.5 crore. Boult will join Deepak Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah, forming a formidable bowling attack. MI will be counting on Boult to deliver crucial breakthroughs, especially during the powerplay overs.
9. Josh Hazlewood
- Role: right-arm fast-medium bowl
- Price: 12.50 Crore
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has been a key performer in the IPL. Although he isn’t the traditional fast bowler for T20s, he has effectively adapted his game by varying his lengths and bowling yorkers. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have secured his return for a significant Rs 12.50 crore.
10. Jofra Archer
- Role: right-arm fast bowler
- Team: Rajasthan Royal
- Price: 12.50 Crore
Despite battling several injury setbacks, English pacer Jofra Archer has been acquired by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for a significant sum. Archer, who initially joined the IPL in 2018, faced a tough time with Mumbai Indians (MI) due to fitness concerns. Now, he is eager to embrace a fresh start with RR.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 auction has seen some record-breaking buys, with teams investing heavily in players who can significantly impact the field. From seasoned stars to emerging talents, the top 10 biggest buys highlight the growing importance of strategic investments in the tournament. With players like Rishabh Pant, Jos Buttler, and Jofra Archer leading the way, the upcoming season’s excitement is at an all-time high. These players are expected to play key roles in their respective teams, and fans are eager to see how these new signings will shape the dynamics of IPL 2025.
