Jeddah

Former Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant sold to Lucknow Super Giants for a whopping Rs 27 crore, the highest ever bid in the history of the tournament in the IPL 2025 Auction here at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wasted no time, launching the first bid, only to be countered fiercely by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The paddles flew fast, with the price soaring past Rs 10 crore in a flash. As the figure climbed, it became evident Pant's value extended beyond his batting and keeping prowess; he is a natural leader and a match-winner.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the fray at Rs 10.5 crore, joining the battle against LSG. With rapid-fire bids, the number hit an unprecedented Rs 20 crore. LSG, determined to secure Pant, pushed the stakes further, taking it to Rs 20.75 crore.

Just when the bidding seemed to reach its climax, Delhi Capitals (DC) used their Right to Match (RTM) card, momentarily claiming Pant. However, LSG retaliated with a jaw-dropping Rs 27 crore bid--the highest-ever in tournament history, forcing DC to retreat and setting a new benchmark for IPL auctions.

Pant’s bid surpassed former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Indian Premier League (IPL)

2024 winning captain Shreyas Iyer was sold to Punjab Kings for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore earlier in the day.

Yuzvendra Chahal was acquired by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs 18 crore

Mohammad Siraj was bought by Gujarat Titans for Rs 12.25 cr

Punjab Kings have bought India pacer Arshdeep Singh for Rs 18 crore after using their Right to Match (RTM) card

Arshdeep, with a base price of Rs 2 crore, was the first pick of the auction in the first set of marquee players.

Chennai Super Kings were the first to raise their paddle followed by Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Sunrisers Hyderabad won the final bid for Arshdeep at Rs 15.75 crore before Punjab used their RTM card for their player. SRH raised the price to Rs 18 cr which Punjab agreed to spare to acquire the services of the pacer.

Gujarat Titans acquire Jos Buttler for Rs 15.75 cr; Delhi Capitals bag Mitchell Starc for Rs 11.75 cr