The IPL 2025 mega auction witnessed unprecedented spending, with teams investing heavily in star players. Key acquisitions included impactful batters, skilled pacers, and versatile wicket-keepers, reflecting a focus on proven performers. Strategic bidding wars highlighted the intense competition to secure match-winners, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
1. Rishabh Pant – Rs. 27 Crore
Rishabh Pant, the left-handed wicket-keeper batter, has emerged as a key figure in Indian T20 cricket. He has made a high-profile move to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Pant is also expected to take on a leadership role with the team.
2. Shreyas Iyer – Rs. 26.75 Crore
The Indian batter has captained two different IPL teams, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), to the IPL finals. Known for his powerful middle-order batting, he excels at taking down spin bowling with ease, making him a valuable asset to any team in the tournament.
3. Venkatesh Iyer – Rs. 23.75 Crore
KKR has shown a strong commitment to loyalty in recent times, and Venkatesh Iyer reaped the rewards, securing a hefty Rs 23.75 crore in the IPL mega auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fought hard to acquire Iyer, whose consistent performances in the playoffs over the years have now delivered significant returns.
4. Arshdeep Singh – Rs. 18 Crore
The left-arm pacer was India’s second-best bowler behind Jasprit Bumrah in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad this year. Despite not being retained by Punjab Kings (PBKS), they used their Right to Match (RTM) card to bring Arshdeep back for Rs 18 crore. Interestingly, they could have retained him at the same price before the auction.
5. Yuzvendra Chahal – Rs. 18 Crore
The former Rajasthan Royals (RR) leg-spinner received a significant payday, largely due to the substantial budget of Punjab Kings (PBKS). As the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, Chahal is well-positioned to thrive at PBKS, with the larger square boundaries at their home ground offering more wicket-taking opportunities for him.
6. Jos Buttler – Rs. 15.75 Crore
Gujarat Titans (GT) have bolstered their top order by acquiring Jos Buttler for Rs 15.75 crore in the mega auction. A standout performer in the IPL, Buttler was the Orange Cap winner in 2022 when his team finished as runners-up. At GT, Buttler is expected to take on wicketkeeping duties, a role he didn’t perform at Rajasthan Royals (RR).
7. KL Rahul – Rs. 14 Crore
Delhi Capitals (DC) have potentially replaced Rishabh Pant with national teammate KL Rahul, acquiring the wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 14 crore in the mega auction. However, Rahul could face a captaincy battle with Faf du Plessis, who joined DC for just Rs 2 crore, adding an intriguing dynamic to their leadership options.
8. Trent Boult – Rs. 12.5 Crore
New Zealand speedster Trent Boult made a triumphant return to Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rs 12.5 crore. Boult is set to form a formidable bowling partnership with Deepak Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah. MI will be counting on Boult to provide key breakthroughs during the powerplay, boosting their bowling attack.
9. Josh Hazelwood – Rs. 12.5 Crore
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has played a valuable role in the IPL, refining his bowling with variations in length and accurate yorkers. Though not the archetypal pacer for T20s, Hazlewood’s skills have earned him a return to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for Rs 12.5 crore.
10. Jofra Archer – Rs. 12.5 Crore
Despite dealing with several injury setbacks, English pacer Jofra Archer has been picked up by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for a significant sum. Archer, who originally joined the IPL with RR in 2018, had an underwhelming stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) due to fitness issues. He now looks forward to a fresh start with RR.