The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction has always been a thrilling spectacle wherein talented cricketers have been bought and sold at mind-boggling sums, but the 2025 edition went beyond that setting new records and making headlines for quite a few of its players, especially for wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma.

Jitesh Sharma’s Record-Breaking Salary Surge

Jitesh Sharma, who made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2022 for a humble amount of Rs 20 lakh, is the greatest gainer at the IPL 2025 auction. His new deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fetched him a whopping Rs 11 crore. That amounts to a staggering 5,400% increase in his wages—at a record that cannot be easily broken by any other IPL player.

Initially sold to RCB for Rs 7 crore, Jitesh’s price soared when PBKS exercised the Right to Match (RTM) option, ensuring they couldn’t lose him to RCB without a fight. The final bid of Rs 11 crore was a testament to the remarkable growth of the 29-year-old, who has been a standout performer with the bat in recent seasons.

Dhruv Jurel’s Record Salary Increment

While Jitesh Sharma saw the highest increase in his auction price, the largest salary jump in IPL history went to another wicketkeeper-batter, Dhruv Jurel. Retained by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for an eye-watering Rs 14 crore, Jurel experienced a 6,900% hike from his previous salary of Rs 20 lakh—a massive financial leap for the young cricketer.

Record-Breaking Auction Moments

The IPL 2025 mega auction also witnessed some jaw-dropping moments, including record-breaking bids. The highest-ever price tag for a player was passed around several times. First, Mitchell Starc’s record was broken by Shreyas Iyer, whose price tag soared to Rs 26.75 crore, only to be topped shortly thereafter by Rishabh Pant, whose final bid reached Rs 27 crore. These bidding wars made the IPL 2025 auction one of the most exciting in history.

Jitesh Sharma: A Key Player for RCB

Jitesh Sharma’s inclusion in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for IPL 2025 has added another explosive element to their batting lineup. With the likes of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt expected to open the batting, Jitesh will be tasked with providing finishing touches to the innings. RCB’s middle order, including Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone, is expected to complement Sharma’s powerful hitting. Fans are already looking forward to the fireworks he will bring to the team.

IPL Auction in 2025: Changing Lives and Setting Records

The IPL has always been a platform for players to showcase their talent, but the auction also serves as a reminder of how the tournament can change the financial fortunes of cricketers overnight. From Jitesh Sharma’s astounding rise to the record-breaking bids for several top players, the IPL 2025 auction reaffirmed why this cricket league is one of the most lucrative in the world.