IPL Auction 2025: 5 Players Who Sparked a Bidding Frenzy Among Franchises

The IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, lived up to the hype with franchises battling it out fiercely for top talent. 182 players were sold for a staggering ₹639.15 crore, and the event saw several intense bidding wars, some of which pushed the auction price to jaw-dropping figures. Here are five players who triggered the most exciting bidding battles among the franchises:

1. Rishabh Pant to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 Crore

Rishabh Pant, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter, became the most expensive player of the auction. Expected to fetch a hefty sum, Pant’s bidding war was unlike anything seen before. The moment his name was called, the stadium buzzed with excitement. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started the bidding, driving it up to ₹11 crore. However, the action truly heated up when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) joined the fray, pushing the price to ₹20.75 crore.

Just when it seemed like LSG had clinched the deal, Delhi Capitals (DC) used their Right to Match (RTM) card, bringing the price to ₹22 crore. Ultimately, LSG exercised their override option, securing Pant for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, making him the highest-paid player of the auction.

2. Shreyas Iyer to Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 Crore

Shreyas Iyer, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, became the focal point of a fierce bidding war. The auction started with KKR and Punjab Kings (PBKS) both battling for Iyer’s signature. After an initial tussle, KKR seemed ready to take him back, but when DC entered the scene, the bid shot up. It was a nail-biting contest between PBKS and DC, with PBKS finally securing Iyer for a whopping ₹26.75 crore.

Iyer, who had previously led DC, is now reunited with PBKS coach Ricky Ponting, making this an intriguing move.

3. Venkatesh Iyer to Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 Crore

After losing Shreyas Iyer, KKR wasted no time in going after their key all-rounder, Venkatesh Iyer. A hard-hitting batter and reliable bowler, Venkatesh attracted significant attention from franchises, especially Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. KKR fought hard to keep their man, eventually raising the bid to ₹23.75 crore, which left RCB pulling out. KKR’s persistence paid off, securing Iyer for a hefty sum, possibly as part of their new leadership plans.

4. Arshdeep Singh to Punjab Kings for ₹18 Crore

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer who has been in excellent form in T20 cricket, ignited a fierce bidding war. The contest started with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) placing an opening bid, but soon Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, and RCB joined in. After a dramatic back-and-forth, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) placed an ₹15.75 crore bid, but Punjab Kings exercised their RTM card, ensuring Arshdeep returned to their fold for ₹18 crore.

5. Yuzvendra Chahal to Punjab Kings for ₹18 Crore

The bidding for Yuzvendra Chahal, IPL’s all-time highest wicket-taker, also captivated the auction room. His previous franchise, Rajasthan Royals, didn’t make a move, and it was Punjab Kings who emerged victorious after a fierce contest with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Punjab secured Chahal for ₹18 crore, further strengthening their spin attack. RCB’s failure to bid for Chahal despite having a history with him left many surprised, allowing Punjab to snatch him away.

The 2025 IPL mega auction turned out to be a massive spectacle, with players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal triggering bidding wars that showcased the immense value franchises place on top-tier talent. The sheer intensity of the auction reflected how crucial these players are to their respective franchises’ plans for IPL 2025.

The frenzied bidding wars, record-breaking prices, and dramatic RTM decisions made this auction one for the history books. It is clear that the upcoming IPL season will feature some explosive cricket, with these stars leading their teams to battle for the coveted trophy