Record-breaking bids at IPL auction 2025: Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh top the charts
Rishabh Pant Breaks Records
On day 1 of the IPL 2024 mega auction being held in Saudi Arabia, Indian wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant earned his side the record of most expensive pick-up in the IPL 2025 mega auction. This hefty bid surpassed Shreyas Iyer, who was bought for ₹26.75 crores by Punjab Kings and is now the second-highest bid. In total, the auction saw 84 players sold while 12 players did not find any buyer. Thus, Pant has proved the worth of a finisher and leader in the top order to achieve the much-needed success at the auction.
Big Purchases and Unsold Names
The bidding war also gave some rather unexpected combinations and acquisitions. In the November 24 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made the third biggest buy of the day by getting Venkatesh Iyer for his base price of ₹23.75 crores. However, a few stalwarts like David Warner and Jonny Bairstow did not get any takers during the auction and left the cricket fraternity a bit stunned.
RCB and MI are ahead in the purse race
RCB had the biggest purse when the rosters were closed at the end of Day 1 with ₹30.65 crore. IPL teams Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings came second and third on the list with ₹26.10 crore and ₹22.50 crore, respectively. These teams are well-equipped to go for the big buys on the second day of the auction.
Key Players and Bidding Wars
Rasikh Salam Dar Swims to Fame
Out of these players, the most remarkable pick was Rasikh Salam Dar. He was bought for ₹6 crore by RCB after a fiercely contested bidding and will be seen as a potential asset. Likewise, the more-upcoming un-capped players including Namar Dhir too were bought for exorbitant figures and Dhir went on the Mumbai Indians bag for ₹5.25 crore.
A Notable Miss: David Warner
Cricket fanatics expected David Warner, a celebrated IPL player, to be one of the biggest draws at the auction. However, despite all his fame and acclaim, the Aussie batsman went unsold by any team. It’s likely a reflection of changing team strategies as well as a new focus on young players in their best performance shape.
IPL Auction LIVE: Gujarat Titans' Strategy
Gujarat Titans’ Picks
Gujrat Titans had a busy day one on the first day of the mega auction where the former champion team bought several important players. Some of their notable buys included:
- Jos Buttler for ₹15.75 crore
- Mohammed Siraj for ₹12.25 crore
- Prasidh Krishna for ₹9.50 crore
- Kagiso Rabada for ₹10.75 crore
- Nishant Sidhu for ₹30 lakh
- Mahipal Lomror for ₹1.70 crore
- Kumar Kushagra for ₹65 lakh
- Anuj Rawat for ₹30 lakh
- Manav Suthar for ₹30 lakh
By the end of Day 1, Gujarat Titans had ₹17.50 crore remaining in their purse, giving them flexibility for future buys.
Strategic Insights from Coaches
Stephen Fleming on Noor Ahmed’s Selection
The signing up of Noor Ahmed at ₹10 crore by CSK was the key decision made. As the chief coach Stephen Fleming ’ said it was logical to add him to the team since he had the capacity to bowl in turning conditions. With some of the best wicket-taking records, Ahmed will only enhance the already impressive bowling lineup of CSK.
Ricky Ponting Elaborates on PBKS’ Call on Pant
Punjab Kings’ coach Ricky Ponting gave insight into their strategy regarding Rishabh Pant. Speaking of Pant, Ponting said that they knew what they wanted to achieve with their team or create a balanced side to have no hefty stakes on one player. This approach is a testimony to the new IPL paradigm being long-term team management rather than over-reliance on big-name players.
CSK'sEmotional Return of R. Ashwin
A Homecoming for Ashwin
The most heartfelt moment of Day 1 was undoubtedly the return of Ravichandran Ashwin to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Ashwin was purchased by CSK for ₹7 crore in the mega auction and head coach Stephen Fleming said it was a good homecoming for Ashwin who had earlier contributed a lot in the journey of the CSK in winning the trophy. Aswin’s experience will strengthen CSK’s spin department and his skill will be an asset to the team.
Power Hitter Jofra Archer joined the Rajasthan Royals squad.
Archer Excited for His Return
Jofra Archer was a star attraction in Rajasthan Royals’ team after the franchise bought him for ₹12.5 crore. The English pacer who has been a regular in the Royals’ bowling line-up posted about his sentiments in a video message on his social media handle,” Can’t wait to get out there. Halla Bol!” Archer’s intense speed and aggressive style will add depth to Rajasthan Royals’ bowling lineup.
Joint Bidding War and JV Purchase
Top Purchases on Day 1
The following players emerged as the top buys on Day 1 of the IPL auction:
- Rishabh Pant (LSG): ₹27 crore
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): ₹26.75 crore
- Venkatesh Iyer (KKR): ₹23.75 crore
- Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): ₹18 crore
- Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): ₹18 crore
- Jos Buttler (GT): ₹15.75 crore
- KL Rahul (DC): ₹14 crore
- Trent Boult (MI): ₹12.50 crore
- Jofra Archer (RR): ₹12.50 crore
These big-ticket buys are going to have an instant effect on their particular franchises in IPL 2025.
Unsold Players from Day 1
A number of giants failed to find buyers on day one, causing ripples through the auction floor. Some of the most surprising unsold players were:
- David Warner (₹2 crore)
- Jonny Bairstow (₹2 crore)
- Piyush Chawla (₹50 lakh)
- Kartik Tyagi (₹40 lakh)
These absences from the roster highlight shifting trends in the auction, where teams are focusing on youth and potential over past performance.
Day 2 Preview
Top Players Up for Auction
Prithvi Shaw, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Daryl Mitchell and Marco Jansen are some of the big names that will go on the auction floor on the second day of the auction. These big names are believed to trigger keen price battles since franchises seek to finalize their line-ups.
The distribution of purses on the different teams
By the end of Day 1, there was ₹469.95 crore for the ten franchises to fight for the remaining seventy-two players. The second day will be for an accelerated auction, and it is believed that the teams will select the last batch of players.