How did Indian players outshine overseas stars in IPL 2025 auction?
MNP – The IPL 2025 mega auction kicked off with a bang in Jeddah on Sunday, as Indian players dominated the bidding war. A total of 84 players went under the hammer, but it was Indian talent that stole the spotlight, with three players securing deals worth over Rs 20 crore.
Leading the charge was Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who made history by becoming the most expensive player in IPL history. The 27-year-old left-handed batter was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering Rs 27 crore, surpassing the previous record set by Shreyas Iyer just moments earlier. Iyer, the former Delhi Capitals star, fetched Rs 26.75 crore, joining Pant in the list of the two highest-paid players in IPL history.
Pant and Iyer were part of the marquee Set 1 players, and despite Iyer being picked first, Pant’s record-breaking deal underscored the immense demand for top-tier Indian talent in the league.
Adding to the excitement, Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer also secured a massive deal, rejoining Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 23.75 crore after a fierce bidding battle with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
