Rishabh Pant Becomes Most Expensive Player in IPL History;JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: In a historic IPL 2025 mega auction, Rishabh Pant shattered records to become the most expensive player ever in IPL history. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the star wicketkeeper-batter for a staggering ₹27 crore after a fierce bidding war with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during Day 2 of the auction.
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Pant’s Journey to a Historic Bid
Having been released by the Delhi Capitals after IPL 2024, Rishabh Pant entered the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore. His aggressive batting style and leadership qualities made him the most sought-after player, resulting in a record-breaking deal that surpassed the previous highest bid of ₹24.75 crore for Mitchell Starc in IPL 2024 by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Pant’s Career Milestones
- Debut and Delhi Capitals Journey: Pant debuted for Delhi in 2016 and has been a cornerstone of their squad. He played 111 matches for the franchise, amassing 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93, including one century and 18 fifties.
- IPL 2018 Heroics: Pant’s most successful season was in 2018 when he scored 684 runs at a strike rate of 173.60.
- Leadership Role: Pant became Delhi’s captain during IPL 2021 when Shreyas Iyer was injured. Under his leadership, DC topped the points table and consistently performed in subsequent seasons.
- IPL 2024 Comeback: After recovering from a serious car accident in 2022, Pant returned to captain DC in IPL 2024. Despite his valiant efforts, the team finished sixth, leading to his release ahead of the 2025 auction.
Impact of Pant’s Signing for LSG
This is the first time Pant will represent a franchise other than the Delhi Capitals. LSG’s investment reflects their confidence in Pant’s ability to deliver game-changing performances and strengthen their chances of clinching the IPL title.
Other Key Auction Highlights
- 574 Players in Pool: A total of 574 players, including 208 internationals and 318 uncapped Indians, are under the hammer in this year’s auction held in Jeddah.
- ₹641.5 Crore Budget: The 10 franchises collectively have a budget of ₹641.5 crore for 204 available slots, with 70 reserved for overseas players.
Pant’s T20 Legacy
Across all T20 formats, Rishabh Pant has accumulated 5,022 runs in 202 matches at an average of 31.78. His fearless approach, coupled with his game-finishing ability, cements his position as one of the most dynamic players in modern cricket.
As the IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant and his journey with the Lucknow Super Giants in their quest for glory.