The IPL 2025 auction kicked off in Jeddah in spectacular fashion. Arshdeep Singh was the first player to go under the hammer, with SRH placing a final bid of ₹15.75 crore. However, Punjab Kings used their RTM card to bring him back to the team for ₹18 crore. Yet, he isn’t the most expensive buy of this auction, as three other players fetched even higher bids on Day 1. Let’s take a look at the top 5 most expensive players from Day 1 of the IPL 2025 auction.
5. Arshdeep Singh (18 Crore – PBKS)
SRH placed a final bid of ₹15.75 crore for Arshdeep Singh, but when the auctioneer asked PBKS if they wanted to retain him, they agreed. According to the new IPL RTM rule, SRH then had to set a final price, determining how much they were willing to pay for Arshdeep.
Unlike the earlier rule, where the previous franchise could retain the player at the final bid amount, the new system allows the bidding team to fix the final price, which the original team must match to retain the player. PBKS ultimately retained Arshdeep for ₹18 crore, breaking Yuvraj Singh’s record of ₹16 crore to make him the most expensive Indian player in IPL auction history. However, Arshdeep’s record didn’t last for long.
4. Yuzvendra Chahal (18 Crore – PBKS)
Yuzvendra Chahal fetched a massive ₹18 crore bid from Punjab Kings, making him the most expensive spinner in IPL history. He also became the joint-most expensive Indian bowler, equaling the price tag of his new IPL teammate, Arshdeep Singh.
Chahal is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, which justifies his hefty price. Despite being out of the Indian team for some time, his dominance in the IPL remains unquestionable, solidifying his value as one of the tournament’s most impactful players.
3. Venkatesh Iyer (23.75 Crore – KKR)
Venkatesh Iyer played a crucial role in KKR’s IPL 2024 title victory, and his efforts paid off in the IPL 2025 auction. As soon as Venkatesh’s name came up, KKR made it clear they were determined to bring him back. Despite stiff competition from LSG and RCB, KKR stayed relentless in their bidding. Ultimately, they secured Venkatesh for a staggering ₹23.75 crore, reuniting him with the team.
2. Shreyas Iyer (26.75 Crore – PBKS)
Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to an IPL title last year, entered the IPL 2025 auction to test his luck. As a proven captain, he was exactly what Punjab Kings needed. With Shikhar Dhawan retiring, PBKS were in search of a new leader, and they didn’t hold back.
Punjab Kings broke the bank, securing Shreyas Iyer with a massive ₹26.75 crore bid, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. While it’s not official yet, it is expected that Iyer will take over as the captain of PBKS for the upcoming season.
1. Rishabh Pant (27 Crore – LSG)
The 27-year-old Rishabh Pant bagged a staggering ₹27 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, becoming the most expensive player in the tournament’s history. The price tag has created a buzz, with many drawing comparisons between Pant and the legendary MS Dhoni. While fans hoped to see Pant reunite with Dhoni at CSK, that dream didn’t come true. Instead, he is set to represent the Lucknow Super Giants.
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Lucknow Super Giants started the bidding, with RCB pushing it up to ₹11 crore. Despite fierce competition from SRH later, LSG remained determined. Super Giants placed a final bid of ₹20.75 crore. Delhi Capitals considered retaining their former captain but couldn’t match LSG’s final price of ₹27 crore, forcing them to step aside. Pant is now expected to lead LSG in the IPL 2025 season.