The IPL 2025 mega auction has rewritten the history books, with a staggering ₹1,197.75 crore spent on 228 players. While 182 players were sold during the auction for ₹639.15 crore, another ₹558.5 crore was used to retain 46 players before the auction. The jaw-dropping bids have made this auction the most exciting ever.
Here’s a team-wise breakdown of the most expensive players for IPL 2025.
1. Lucknow Super Giants – Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore)
Lucknow Super Giants stunned everyone by making Rishabh Pant the costliest player in IPL history. Bought for ₹27 crore, Pant’s all-round abilities and leadership potential make him a prized asset for Lucknow as they aim to dominate the league.
2. Punjab Kings – Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore)
Punjab Kings shook the auction with their ₹26.75 crore bid for Shreyas Iyer. Entering the auction with the highest purse, Punjab’s investment in Iyer is expected to strengthen their middle order and enhance their captaincy options.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders – Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore)
KKR made headlines by spending ₹23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer, making him their most expensive player. Known for his all-round capabilities, Iyer will be crucial for Kolkata’s campaign this season.
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Heinrich Klaasen (₹23 crore)
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen emerged as Hyderabad’s most expensive player. Retained for ₹23 crore, Klaasen’s explosive batting and keeping skills make him indispensable for SRH.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore – Virat Kohli (₹21 crore)
Despite some notable bids in the auction, RCB’s highest-paid player remains their icon, Virat Kohli. Retained for ₹21 crore, Kohli’s star power and unmatched consistency continue to be the backbone of the franchise.
6. Gujarat Titans – Rashid Khan (₹18 crore)
The reigning IPL champions, Gujarat Titans, spent big on Jos Buttler in the auction, but Rashid Khan remains their most valuable player. Retained for ₹18 crore, Rashid’s leg-spin and finishing abilities make him a match-winner.
7. Chennai Super Kings – Ruturaj Gaikwad & Ravindra Jadeja (₹18 crore each)
CSK’s loyalty towards their core players is evident as both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja were retained for ₹18 crore each. With their combined experience and form, they remain pivotal for the team.
8. Delhi Capitals – Axar Patel (₹16.50 crore)
Delhi Capitals’ most expensive player is Axar Patel, retained for ₹16.50 crore. His consistent performances with both bat and ball make him a reliable all-rounder for the franchise.
9. Mumbai Indians – Jasprit Bumrah (₹18 crore)
Mumbai Indians’ spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, continues to be their highest-paid player. Retained for ₹18 crore, his unmatched death-over bowling remains MI’s key to success.
10. Rajasthan Royals – Sanju Samson & Yashasvi Jaiswal (₹18 crore each)
Rajasthan Royals retained both Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal for ₹18 crore each. With Samson’s leadership skills and Jaiswal’s rising form, they are set to play pivotal roles in Rajasthan’s campaign.
IPL 2025: A Season of Big Spenders
With such massive investments, IPL 2025 promises to deliver an action-packed season filled with high stakes and intense competition. From Lucknow’s historic bid for Pant to Punjab’s surprising splurge on Iyer, the focus is now on how these players justify their price tags on the field. Fans can’t wait for the season to begin!
