Who Just Broke Records To Become The Most Expensive Player In IPL History

India’s T20 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made history on Sunday by becoming the most expensive player in IPL auction history. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured Pant for a staggering ₹27 crore during the 2025 IPL mega auction held at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah.

Despite pre-auction buzz suggesting interest from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), neither made a move. Instead, LSG faced intense competition from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). After LSG’s ₹20.75 crore bid, Delhi Capitals (DC) exercised their Right-To-Match (RTM) card, only to drop out when LSG countered with a record-breaking ₹27 crore bid. This made Pant the costliest player in IPL history.

Before Pant, Shreyas Iyer sets a record.

Earlier in the auction, India batter Shreyas Iyer had briefly held the record for most expensive IPL player. Punjab Kings (PBKS) acquired the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain for ₹26.75 crore, breaking Mitchell Starc’s previous record of ₹24.75 crore set during the IPL 2024 auction.

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The bidding war for Iyer saw KKR compete fiercely with PBKS, later joined by Delhi Capitals. However, PBKS emerged victorious at ₹26.75 crore.

Singh Arshdeep Retained by PBKS via RTM

India pacer Arshdeep Singh opened the auction proceedings. After a brief pause, CSK initiated a fierce bidding war involving DC, Gujarat Titans (GT), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and RCB. SRH’s ₹15.75 crore bid pushed PBKS to use their RTM card, securing Arshdeep. SRH responded with an ₹18 crore offer, which PBKS matched to retain their star bowler.

However, PBKS opted not to retain South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, who was bought by GT for ₹10.75 crore. Meanwhile, Gujarat also acquired England’s white-ball captain for ₹15.75 crore, while Mitchell Starc joined Delhi Capitals for ₹11.75 crore.