The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, witnessed a thrilling moment as Shreyas Iyer became the 2nd most expensive player in IPL history, sold to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a staggering Rs. 26.75 crore. This marks a pivotal moment in the history of IPL auctions, where the demand for Indian batting talent continues to break records.
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While Rishabh Pant claimed the top spot as the most expensive player with a Rs. 27 crore deal to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Iyer’s signing by PBKS showcases his immense value as both a batter and a leader..
A Historic Auction for Shreyas Iyer
The bidding war for Iyer saw fierce competition among franchises, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) making aggressive bids. However, Punjab Kings, armed with the highest auction purse of Rs. 110.5 crore, outlasted their rivals to secure the star middle-order batter.
PBKS Head Coach Ricky Ponting commented, “Shreyas brings a unique blend of leadership, consistency, and composure at the crease. We are thrilled to have him lead our team for IPL 2025.”
Shreyas Iyer’s IPL Career So Far
- Previous Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Key Achievements:
- Led KKR to the IPL 2024 title, scoring over 400 runs at an average of 40+.
- Known for his ability to anchor innings and finish games under pressure.
Iyer’s recent century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy further reinforced his reputation as a dependable batter in T20 cricket.
Shreyas Iyer’s Auction Price vs. Previous Records
Shreyas Iyer’s Rs. 26.75 crore deal ranks him just below Rishabh Pant’s Rs. 27 crore record-breaking price from the same auction. It also surpasses the Rs. 24.75 crore paid for Mitchell Starc by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. This meteoric rise in auction prices highlights Iyer’s growing stature in world cricket.
Punjab Kings’ Rebuilding Strategy
Punjab Kings, aiming for their maiden IPL title, have made a bold statement by acquiring Iyer. With the highest auction purse, PBKS is strategically building a squad with experienced players to complement their younger talents.
Iyer is expected to play a dual role as a top-order batter and captain, steering Punjab Kings toward IPL glory. His leadership skills and batting prowess make him an ideal choice for a team looking to revamp its identity.
Auction Day Highlights
- Most Expensive Player: Rishabh Pant (Rs. 27 crore, RCB)
- Second Most Expensive Player: Shreyas Iyer (Rs. 26.75 crore, PBKS)
- Other High Bids in IPL 2025:
- Arshdeep Singh– 18 crore (PBKS)
- Mitchell Starc – Rs. 24.75 crore (SRH, IPL 2024)
Shreyas Iyer: The Face of Punjab Kings in IPL 2025
With a price tag of Rs. 26.75 crore, Shreyas Iyer carries enormous expectations from Punjab Kings fans. His ability to deliver under pressure and lead from the front will be crucial as the franchise seeks to rewrite history.
The IPL 2025 season, starting March 14, promises to be a spectacle, with Iyer set to play a pivotal role in Punjab Kings’ campaign.
