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.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction Day 1: Highlights, Records, and Player Bids
IPL • 25 Nov, 2024 • 27,859 Views • ⭐ 5.0
Written by Shivani Chourasia
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.