IPL 2025 Mega Auction : The first day of the IPL 2025 mega auction unfolded with dramatic bids and blockbuster player moves, setting the stage for a thrilling cricket season ahead. Held in Jeddah, the auction saw franchises engage in fierce bidding wars as they restructured their squads for the upcoming season.
Rishabh Pant emerged as the highest-paid player in IPL history, sold to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a staggering ₹27 crore, breaking the record set just minutes earlier when Punjab Kings secured Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore. The auction also hinted at key captaincy shifts across franchises, making this edition particularly intriguing.
Key Highlights from Day 1
Punjab Kings: A Complete Overhaul
Punjab Kings were the biggest spenders, shelling out ₹88 crore to rebuild their squad under coach Ricky Ponting.
- Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore): Likely to lead the team as captain.
- Other Major Buys: Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis.
Ponting’s leadership aims to revamp Punjab into title contenders after years of underachievement.
Lucknow Super Giants: Batting Firepower Secured
LSG made a bold statement with their record-breaking bid for Rishabh Pant.
- Other Key Acquisitions: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Nicholas Pooran.
While their batting core is formidable, the team will focus on adding bowlers on Day 2.
Delhi Capitals: A New Era Under KL Rahul
Delhi secured KL Rahul for ₹14 crore, signaling a fresh start after Rishabh Pant’s departure.
- Notable Buys: Harry Brook, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Mitchell Starc.
The franchise aims to build a balanced squad around their new captain.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Banking on Venkatesh Iyer
KKR surprised many by splurging ₹23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer, likely their next captain.
- Strategic Additions: Anrich Nortje and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
Despite their high spending, questions remain about their ability to replicate last season’s success.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Playing the Waiting Game
RCB had a measured approach but made impactful buys late in the day.
- Star Picks: Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Josh Hazlewood.
The team appears poised to announce Virat Kohli’s return as captain, signaling renewed intent.
Mumbai Indians: Saving Big for Day 2
Mumbai adopted a conservative strategy, saving funds for later.
- Key Buys: Trent Boult and Naman Dhir.
With substantial funds remaining, MI is expected to make big moves on Day 2.
Gujarat Titans: Building a Pace Powerhouse
GT assembled a lethal bowling attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj.
- Key Batting Addition: Jos Buttler, partnering with Shubman Gill at the top.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Steady and Smart
SRH focused on adding experienced Indian players to their core.
- Notable Buys: Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, and Harshal Patel.
Chennai Super Kings: Homecoming for Ashwin
CSK brought Ravichandran Ashwin back to the fold alongside other strategic buys.
- Steal of the Auction: Khaleel Ahmed at ₹4.8 crore.
Rajasthan Royals: Betting on Bowling
RR prioritized bowlers, securing Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana.
Day 2 Expectations
The accelerated auction will see 493 players up for grabs as teams aim to fill remaining slots. Franchises like Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are expected to dominate proceedings with substantial funds still available.
Stay tuned as the action continues to unfold, shaping the future of IPL 2025.
