NEW DELHI: The IPL 2025 mega auction opened with a flurry of high-stakes bidding, as franchises spent a staggering ₹467.95 crore on 72 players during Day 1. Rishabh Pant made history as the most expensive player ever, going to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore. Punjab Kings snapped up Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore, while Venkatesh Iyer returned to Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore. Other marquee signings included Jos Buttler to Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 crore and KL Rahul to Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore. Punjab Kings strengthened their squad by securing Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore each.
Team Strategies and Key Signings
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Lucknow focused on building a balanced and explosive lineup. Their marquee signing of Rishabh Pant was a statement of intent, adding a leader with match-winning ability. CEO Raghu Iyer expressed his excitement, saying, *”We are thrilled to have Rishabh Pant on board. His explosive batting and leadership qualities will be a game-changer for us.”* Complementing Pant’s signing were Mitchell Marsh, Avesh Khan, Aiden Markram, and David Miller, forming a formidable core.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings went on a spending spree to bolster their lineup, adding Shreyas Iyer’s stability and Chahal and Arshdeep’s bowling brilliance. Co-owner Ness Wadia highlighted the significance of Iyer’s signing, stating, *”Shreyas Iyer is a fantastic addition to our squad. His experience and ability to anchor the innings will be invaluable.”* The team also added Glenn Maxwell and Nehal Wadhera, signaling their intent to dominate with a well-rounded unit.
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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR focused on impact players, bringing back Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore. CEO Venky Mysore commented, “Venkatesh Iyer’s all-around capabilities make him a perfect fit for our team. We’re excited to see him in action.” The team also secured Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje, ensuring a blend of power and precision in their squad.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
The defending champions strategically fortified their roster, with Jos Buttler as the standout signing. Head Coach Ashish Nehra praised Buttler, stating, *”Jos Buttler is a world-class player, and his presence will significantly strengthen our batting lineup.”* The additions of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Prasidh Krishna further enhanced their already formidable bowling attack.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals blended experience and youth, securing KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and T. Natarajan to address key gaps. Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly lauded Rahul’s signing, saying, “KL Rahul is a top-class wicketkeeper-batsman, and we believe he will be a key player for us this season.” The team also invested in young talents like Jake Fraser-McGurk, ensuring a bright future.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai retained its core strategy while making selective yet impactful additions. Trent Boult was a notable signing, and Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene commented, “Trent Boult’s bowling prowess will add depth to our pace attack and complement our existing bowlers well.” Other signings, including Rinku Singh and Naman Dhir, added depth to their batting.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan focused on bolstering their bowling lineup, with Jofra Archer’s return being the highlight. Captain Sanju Samson expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Jofra Archer’s return is a major boost for our bowling attack. We’re confident he will make a big impact.” The team also added Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana to strengthen their spin department.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB opted for a measured approach, focusing on key areas of improvement. Josh Hazlewood was their marquee signing, and Director of Cricket Mike Hesson stated, “Josh Hazlewood’s experience and skill will be crucial for our bowling department.” Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone were added to provide depth and versatility to their squad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers blended youth and experience with the signings of Ishan Kishan and Mohammed Shami. Head Coach Brian Lara emphasized Kishan’s impact, saying, “Ishan Kishan’s aggressive batting style will add firepower to our lineup.” Harshal Patel and Adam Zampa were also key additions, bringing balance to the team.
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Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai’s strategy revolved around experience and spin, with Ravichandran Ashwin being their standout pick. CEO Kasi Viswanathan described his return as a homecoming, stating, “Ravichandran Ashwin’s return is like a homecoming. We’re excited to have him back in the yellow jersey.” Noor Ahmad and Rachin Ravindra added depth to their spin attack, while Devon Conway strengthened their top order.
Day 1 of the IPL 2025 auction showcased bold strategies and historic spending as teams built the foundation for a thrilling season. With key players locked in, Day 2 promises more action as franchises finalize their squads, filling critical gaps and setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament.