The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction has taken centre stage at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, marking a historic debut for the league in Saudi Arabia. A total of 577 cricketers are in contention for the two-day bidding frenzy, with Day 1 focusing on a curated list of 84 players divided into 12 sets.
The mega auction kicked off with historic buys and shocking decisions that set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season. From record-breaking signings to emotional comebacks, here are the key takeaways from an action-packed Day 1.
Rishabh Pant: The costliest player in IPL history
Lucknow Super Giants made headlines by signing Rishabh Pant for a jaw-dropping ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. This moment marked an incredible comeback for Pant, who not only overcame a life-threatening car accident in 2022 but also regained peak form to attract this record-breaking bid. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka acknowledged they exceeded their budget, but said the team couldn’t let go of a player as impactful as Pant. Expected to lead the franchise, Pant’s leadership and explosive batting will be pivotal for LSG’s title aspirations.
Shreyas Iyer’s Rs 26.75 crore move to Punjab Kings
Shreyas Iyer’s switch to Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore was a close second in the day’s big-money deals. The former KKR captain, who led his side to the IPL trophy earlier this year, is being touted as the captain for PBKS. Coach Ricky Ponting, who worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals, praised his leadership and batting prowess, citing his unbeaten 130 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy just days before the auction. With Iyer’s proven track record, PBKS has gained a player who can both lead and anchor their batting line-up.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Rs 23.75 crore return to KKR
Venkatesh Iyer’s return to Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore added emotional drama to the day. Released by KKR earlier, Iyer became the centre of a bidding war between his former franchise and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. KKR ultimately won back their star all-rounder, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of their squad. Known for his ability to finish games and provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball, Iyer’s hefty price tag underscores his importance to KKR’s future plans.
Yuzvendra Chahal remains in demand
Despite being overlooked for India’s T20 World Cup campaign, Yuzvendra Chahal proved his worth yet again, attracting a massive ₹18 crore bid from Punjab Kings. The leg-spinner, who was released by Rajasthan Royals, continues to be one of the IPL’s most consistent performers. PBKS is betting on Chahal’s ability to deliver in crucial moments, making him a key weapon in their bowling arsenal.
Bargain buys: KL Rahul and Mitchell Starc
Delhi Capitals pulled off two of the day’s smartest purchases, signing KL Rahul for ₹14 crore and Mitchell Starc for ₹11.75 crore. While Rahul’s price tag might seem modest for a player of his calibre, his ability to adapt across formats makes him a vital cog in DC’s line-up. Starc, on the other hand, saw his value dip from last year’s ₹24.75 crore, but his track record as a wicket-taker makes him a steal at this price. DC head coach Hemang Badani expressed confidence in both players, calling them "bankable assets."
Arshdeep Singh leads the RTM resurgence
Punjab Kings exercised their Right to Match card to retain Arshdeep Singh for Rs 18 crore, signalling his importance to the franchise. The left-arm pacer, who has been a consistent performer in death overs, fetched the same price PBKS would have paid to retain him before the auction. With Arshdeep in their ranks, Punjab’s bowling attack looks poised for success.
Ashwin returns to CSK
In one of the day’s feel-good moments, R Ashwin returned to his home team, Chennai Super Kings, for ₹9.75 crore. The veteran spinner, who made his IPL debut with CSK, will once again play under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Known for his tactical brilliance, Ashwin adds both experience and a local connection to the squad. Alongside other smart picks like Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, CSK appears to be building a balanced team for the upcoming season.
Jos Buttler lands with Gujarat Titans
England’s Jos Buttler was snapped up by Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 crore. A destructive opener with a proven track record in the IPL, Buttler will bring firepower to the Titans’ top order. With his ability to dominate powerplays and anchor innings, Buttler is set to be a game-changer for Gujarat in the 2025 season.
Warner’s shocking snub
Arguably the biggest surprise of the day was David Warner going unsold at his base price of ₹2 crore. The veteran opener, who has been one of the IPL’s most consistent performers over the years, now faces an uncertain future. While teams may be holding back funds for strategic reasons, Warner’s snub raises eyebrows given his track record in the league.
Young guns shine: Fraser McGurk and Rachin Ravindra
The auction also spotlighted emerging talent, with Jake Fraser McGurk returning to Delhi Capitals for Rs 9 crore and Rachin Ravindra heading to CSK for Rs 4 crore. Both players, known for their aggressive batting, are seen as future stars who can make an impact in key moments. These buys reflect teams’ focus on securing young talent with long-term potential.
The IPL 2025 mega auction Day 1 is still unfolding, delivering drama, record-breaking bids, and unexpected surprises. With the action far from over, teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for top talent.