In a stunning turn of events during the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Rishabh Pant has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the most expensive player ever sold in the tournament’s history. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the Indian wicketkeeper-batter for an eye-watering INR 27 crore, surpassing the previous record set just moments earlier by Shreyas Iyer, who was acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore.
A bidding war unfolds for Rishabh Pant
The auction showcased intense competition among franchises, particularly between LSG and Delhi Capitals. Initially, Delhi exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain Pant at ₹20.75 crore. However, Lucknow quickly escalated the bidding, pushing it to ₹27 crore, compelling Delhi to withdraw from the race. This rapid back-and-forth exemplified the high stakes of the IPL auction and underscored Pant’s immense value in the league.
Also READ: Fans go wild as Preity Zinta-owned Punjab Kings buys Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crore at IPL 2025 mega auction
Pant’s story from life threatening injury to glory
Pant’s journey to this monumental moment has not been without challenges. After suffering severe injuries from a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, he made a remarkable comeback during IPL 2024. Despite a lackluster season for DC, where he scored 446 runs, his leadership and resilience were evident. His performance earned him a spot in India’s victorious T20 World Cup squad earlier this year, reaffirming his status as a key player in Indian cricket.
Having debuted in the IPL with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2016, Pant has been a pivotal figure in the league. Over his career, he has amassed 3,284 runs at an impressive strike rate of 148.93 across 111 matches. His explosive batting style and dynamic wicketkeeping have made him a fan favorite and a sought-after player in the auction. As he embarks on this new chapter with Lucknow Super Giants, expectations are high for him to deliver exceptional performances that justify his record-breaking price tag.
Here’s how fan’s reacted:
Live updates: https://t.co/FrN6De3xYd
Rishabh Pant is sold to Lucknow Super Giants for 27 cr🙌
The record is broken again 🔥#cricket #IPLAuction #RishabhPant #IPLAuction2025 pic.twitter.com/5p6eugnC1g
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 24, 2024
#IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/kNdlfQjrcF
— 𝙎𝘼𝙍𝘾𝘼𝙎𝙌𝙊 (@sarcasqo) November 24, 2024
Rishabh pant and shreyas iyer today 👏😎🍷
Rishabh Pant 🤝 Shreyas Iyer
LSG 27cr
PBKS 26.75 cr #IPLAuction
pic.twitter.com/MFXETKdo9O— ankit sharma (@AnkitGalev) November 24, 2024
AUCTION DAY :-
Muskuraiye Ab Rishabh Pant Lucknow me hai….#IPL2025 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/mS1N4DSOog
— Ashad 🇮🇳 (@iam_ashad) November 24, 2024
Congratulations Rishabh pant wow 😱😱#IPLAuction #AvinashMishra pic.twitter.com/NpJ7esIyaL
— Night King 🚩 (@Nightking2309) November 24, 2024
Urvashi Rautela watching Rishabh Pant’s bid.#IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/lHOfsIKvzh
— Rajabets 🇮🇳👑 (@rajabetsindia) November 24, 2024
Rishabh Pant becomes the highest sold Ipl player surpassed Shreyas in the same auction with the price of 27 Crores ❤️🔥🔥 #RishabhPant #IPLRetention2025 #IPLAuctiononJioStar #IPLAuction #ShreyasIyer #LSGpic.twitter.com/5Lu0awJSAw
— 𝕯𝖊𝖊𝖕𝖆𝖐🦅 (@Deepak32763716) November 24, 2024
🚨Rishabh Pant got 27CR 🔥🔥
Pant now is in Lucknow 🏏🔥#IPLAuction #IPL2025 #IPLAuction2025 #ipl2025auction #Pant pic.twitter.com/phlLkIuhxm
— The Sales Guy (@TheSales_Guy) November 24, 2024
Why did he bid 27 cr for Rishabh Pant even before DC’s RTM announcement.
#IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/8BWH6M6Esq— Vikas 𝕏 (@vikas_d10) November 24, 2024
LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS TEAM TODAY 🎉
TO RISHABH PANT. 🎉🚀#IPLAuction #LSG #ipl2025auction pic.twitter.com/eQTfjtpGiU
— Rahul Patel™ (@rahulpatel729) November 24, 2024