IPL 2025 Auction: Will Pant, Iyer, or Rahul Break the Rs 30-Crore Barrier?

The IPL 2025 Auction is shaping up to be a historic event as the golden dunes of Jeddah prepare to host cricket’s most extravagant bidding war on November 24-25. With Rs 641.5 crore available across franchises and a star-studded player list, this auction could witness a homegrown player crossing the elusive Rs 30-crore mark for the first time in IPL history.

The record-breaking bids of Mitchell Starc (Rs 24.75 crore) and Pat Cummins in previous auctions have set the stage for the next financial milestone. With players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul in the pool, franchises are gearing up for bidding wars that could rewrite history.

The Frontrunners

• Rishabh Pant: The destructive wicketkeeper-batter is arguably the biggest name in the auction after his release by Delhi Capitals. His captaincy potential and match-winning prowess have made him the top target for franchises like Punjab Kings (PBKS), who lead the purse rankings with Rs 110.5 crore, followed by RCB and LSG.
• Shreyas Iyer: The IPL-winning captain is another hot commodity. With his proven leadership and middle-order stability, Iyer is likely to attract fierce bids from Delhi Capitals and other teams in need of a captain.
• KL Rahul: Rahul’s consistent performances make him a strong candidate for a record bid. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) potentially eyeing a reunion, he could spark a fierce contest.

Team Purses Post-Retentions

With 204 slots to fill, an average player valuation could hover around Rs 3.14 crore. While marquee players dominate attention, franchises will also focus on securing uncapped talents and overseas specialists like Mohammed Shami, Jofra Archer, and Venkatesh Iyer.