NEW DELHI: The IPL 2025 Mega Auction concluded with massive bids for some players, surprising steals for others, and a few left unsold. While Virat Kohli remains a marquee name, retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 21 crore, several players surpassed his pay scale in this year’s auction.
Here’s a look at the top earners in IPL 2025:
Rishabh Pant – Rs 27 Crore
Former Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant created history by becoming the most expensive player ever in the IPL. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured him for an unprecedented Rs 27 crore at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday.
LSG initiated the bidding war, countered aggressively by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The price crossed Rs 10 crore quickly, reflecting Pant’s immense value as a leader and a match-winner. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) joined the fray at Rs 10.5 crore, pushing the price above Rs 20 crore.
Just as Delhi Capitals (DC) played their Right to Match (RTM) card, LSG responded with the record-breaking Rs 27 crore bid, leaving DC unable to compete.
Pant, previously Delhi’s captain for three seasons, was released ahead of the mega auction as DC retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abhishek Porel.
Shreyas Iyer – Rs 26.75 Crore
Shreyas Iyer was the first player to break the auction record before Pant overtook him. Punjab Kings splurged Rs 26.75 crore to acquire the 2024 IPL-winning captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Expected to lead Punjab Kings in the upcoming season starting March 14, Shreyas’ move surprised many, as KKR chose not to retain him despite his successful stint.
KKR instead engaged in a fierce bidding war with RCB for Venkatesh Iyer.
IPL mega auction: KKR spend Rs 23.75 crore to buy back Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer – Rs 23.75 Crore
Venkatesh Iyer became the third-highest earner of the auction, going back to KKR for Rs 23.75 crore. His hefty price tag marked one of the biggest surprises of the event.
Venkatesh expressed readiness to lead KKR in IPL 2025, stating, “I had the opportunity to captain the side in Nitish Rana’s absence when he was unfortunately injured, and I was the vice-captain as well. I’ve always believed that captaincy is just a tag, but leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels they can play for this team and contribute. If given the responsibility, I would be more than happy to take it on. Absolutely (I’m ready for it).”
He added, “Together, we will aim to defend the championship and continue our winning campaign. Thank you very much for picking me in your squad.”
The auction’s record-breaking bids reflect the growing financial stakes and intense competition in the IPL, with teams banking on marquee players to deliver both on and off the field.