IPL 2025 Mega Auction Day 1: Highlights, Records, and Player Bids

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction Day 1 brought unparalleled excitement, setting a new benchmark in the tournament’s history. In a display of high-stakes bidding and strategic planning, franchises spent a staggering ₹467.95 crore on 72 players, redefining the dynamics of team building and competition. From record-shattering bids to surprising moves, Day 1 laid the foundation for what promises to be an electrifying season.

Breaking Records: The Biggest Deals of the Day

In a historic moment, Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), rebuilding after the KL Rahul era, acquired the star wicketkeeper-batter for a jaw-dropping ₹27 crore. This move signaled their aggressive approach to establishing a powerhouse team for the upcoming season.

Shortly after, Shreyas Iyer set another benchmark by signing with Punjab Kings for ₹24.75 crore, surpassing the ₹23.75 crore record set by Mitchell Starc in 2024. These back-to-back record deals underscored the intense competition and the value franchises placed on marquee players.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Bold Move

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made headlines by spending ₹23.75 crore to retain Venkatesh Iyer, demonstrating their commitment to preserving their championship-winning core. However, their limited funds following this purchase cost them a bidding war for Phil Salt, who was ultimately acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹11.5 crore.

Other Key Purchases

• KL Rahul, a former Lucknow captain, found a new home with Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore, likely as their future captain.
• Mohammad Siraj joined Gujarat Titans for ₹12.25 crore, bolstering their bowling attack.
• Gujarat Titans also secured Jos Buttler for ₹15.75 crore, marking the end of his tenure with Rajasthan Royals.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad brought in Mohammad Shami for ₹10 crore, pairing him with Pat Cummins to form a formidable bowling duo.

Team Purchases: Who Bought Whom?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK retained stars like MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad and added the following players:

• Devon Conway (₹6.75 crore)
• Ravichandran Ashwin (₹9.75 crore)
• Noor Ahmed (₹10 crore)
• Other additions: Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Khaleel Ahmed, and Vijay Shankar.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals enhanced their squad with notable acquisitions:

• Mitchell Starc (₹11.75 crore)
• KL Rahul (₹14 crore)
• T Natarajan (₹10.75 crore)
• Emerging players like Karun Nair, Ashutosh Sharma, and Mohit Sharma.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Gujarat Titans made strategic buys to strengthen their lineup:

• Jos Buttler (₹15.75 crore)
• Mohammad Siraj (₹12.25 crore)
• Kagiso Rabada (₹10.75 crore)
• Other additions included Prasidh Krishna, Mahipal Lomror, and Anuj Rawat.