Most Expensive Player in IPL 2025

It was announced by the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, the cricket event which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that it set new records with astronomical bidding for cricket talent. This was one of the most expensive auctions in IPL history as franchises engaged in fierce bidding wars to secure the best players. It also marked a significant moment in the league’s expansion as the shift to an international venue (Saudi Arabia) for the auction.

Franchises this year prioritized proven match-winners, young talents and experienced international stars at this year’s auction, which saw unprecedented spending on the auctioneers. Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore from the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) was the biggest highlight as he became the most expensive player in IPL history. Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore to Punjab Kings), Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore to KKR), Jos Buttler (₹15.75 crore to Gujarat Titans) were other notable buys.

Top 10 Most Expensive Players in IPL 2025 Auction

1.) Rishabh Pant (Lucknow SuperGiants – ₹27 Crore)

One of the most emotional moments of the auction was Rishabh Pant’s return to the IPL after recovering from a serious car accident. He was the most expensive player in IPL history, as Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) broke the bank to secure him.

Role: Explosive wicketkeeper-batsman and potential captain.

Skills: Pant’s aggressive batting, leadership skills and the ability to finish games make him a game changer. Pant fits the bill as LSG needed a marquee Indian player.

Impact: His presence will add stability to LSG’s middle order and behind the stumps.

2.) Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings – ₹26.75 Crore)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) made a bold move by buying Shreyas Iyer, the second highest buy of the auction.

Role: Middle-order anchor and captaincy candidate.

Skills: PBKS has been missing a stable leader and a dependable No. 3/4 batsman. Iyer’s experience (former KKR captain) and consistency make him a perfect fit.

Impact: PBKS’s playoff ambitions will depend on his ability to handle spin and pace in the middle overs.

3.) Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders – ₹23.75 Crore)

KKRVenkatesh Iyer was retained by KKR for a huge amount, which shows their faith in the all-rounder.

Role: Power hitting opener, medium pace bowler.

Skills: The investment is justified by his past performances (including a key role in KKR’s 2021 final run).

Impact: A top order aggressor and sixth bowling option.

4.) Arshdeep Singh & Yuzvendra Chahal (Punjab Kings – ₹18 Crore Each)

Two major bowling acquisitions were made by PBKS.

Arshdeep Singh (Pacer): Retained via RTM (Right to Match), PBKS made sure their death over specialist stayed

Yuzvendra Chahal (Spinner): PBKS’s spin attack gets experience with the highest wicket taker in IPL history, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact: Together, they make a lethal bowling combo: Arshdeep with his yorkers and Chahal with his wicket taking leg spin.

5.) Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans – ₹15.75 Crore)

Buttler was the most expensive overseas player of the auction, picked by Gujarat Titans (GT).

Role: Explosive opener and wicketkeeper.

Skills: With Hardik Pandya out, GT needed a match winner at the top. Buttler’s 2018 & 2022 Orange Cap winning form makes him invaluable.

Impact: GT’s innings will be set by his aggressive starts.

6.) KL Rahul (Delhi Capitals – ₹14 Crore)

Following his departure from LSG KL Rahul joined Delhi Capitals (DC).

Role: His batting abilities extend to opening the innings or batting in the middle order.

Skills: The Delhi Capitals required an experienced Indian batsman following their release of multiple prominent players.

Impact: Rahul's return to peak performance would transform him into a crucial asset for Delhi Capitals.

7.) Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians – ₹12.5 Crore)

The signing of Trent Boult by MI brought him back together with Jasprit Bumrah to strengthen their fast bowling attack.

Role: New-ball specialist.

Skills: Boult's early ball movement during power plays makes him an extremely dangerous bowler.

Impact: The IPL 2025 could witness the most dangerous opening bowling pair in the form of Boult-Bumrah.

Team-wise Auction Strategy Breakdown

The teamwise auction strategy is mentioned below:

1. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Biggest Spenders

The team acquired Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 Cr while Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal came at ₹18 Cr each.

Strategy: Focused on leadership (Iyer) and bowling (Arshdeep & Chahal).

Goal: Finally break their title drought with a balanced squad.

2. Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) – Marquee Signing

Key Buy: Rishabh Pant (₹27 Cr).

Strategy: They Needed a captain and a star Indian batsman after they left KL Rahul.

Goal: Build around Pant for a strong playoff push.

3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Betting on All-rounders

Key Buy: Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 Cr).

Retained : their core all rounder to provide batting depth.

The aim was to return to the playoffs with a balanced group.

4. Gujarat Titans (GT) – Overseas Power

Key Buy: Jos Buttler (₹15.75 Cr).

Strategy: They have replaced Hardik Pandya with a world-class opener.

Goal: They want to defend their title with Buttler’s firepower.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 auction was a game changer as franchises were splurging money on proven performers. Top buys (Pant, Iyer, Rahul) were dominated by Indian players. The biggest spenders were Punjab Kings, who were looking to win their maiden title. Priorities were given to bowling reinforcements (Boult, Archer, Hazlewood). Fans can look forward to high octane clashes, fierce rivalries and thrilling performances from the record breaking signings with the season approaching as they approached last season.

FAQs

Who was the most expensive player in IPL 2025?

Rishabh Pant was the most expensive player. Lucknow SuperGiants spent ₹27 crore on him.

Which team spent the most in the auction?

Punjab Kings spent the most amount in auction. They spent ₹62.75 crore on Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep, and Chahal.

Who was the most expensive overseas player?

The most expensive overseas player in 2025 is Jos Buttler (₹15.75 crore to Gujarat Titans).

When does IPL 2025 start?

Expected in March 2025.

Which team has the strongest bowling attacks?

Punjab Kings (Arshdeep + Chahal) and Mumbai Indians (Boult + Bumrah) have strongest bowling attacks.