In a blockbuster IPL 2025 auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) made headlines by splurging a whopping INR 26.75 crore to secure star batter Shreyas Iyer, leaving fans surprised as they passed up on bidding for Rishabh Pant, who eventually went to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record INR 27 crore. This decision by PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting defied pre-auction speculations that Pant would top the franchise’s wishlist.
PBKS Wins Shreyas Iyer in Intense Bidding War
Entering the auction with the largest purse of INR 110.5 crore, PBKS flexed their financial muscle to acquire Iyer after an intense bidding war with Delhi Capitals (DC). The move positions Iyer as the second-highest-paid player in IPL history, just behind Pant’s record-setting deal with LSG.
Ponting’s decision to prioritize Iyer reflects the franchise’s focus on long-term leadership and stability. “I haven’t spoken to him (Iyer) about captaincy yet. I tried calling him before the auction, but he didn’t pick up,” Ponting admitted, suggesting a potential captaincy role for the dynamic middle-order batter.
Rishabh Pant Sets Auction Record with LSG
When Rishabh Pant’s name entered the auction, expectations were high that PBKS would aggressively pursue the star wicketkeeper-batter. Surprisingly, the franchise chose to keep their paddle down, opting out of the heated bidding war involving multiple franchises. Ultimately, LSG secured Pant for INR 27 crore, making him the highest-paid player in IPL history.
Ponting praised Pant’s capabilities but explained PBKS’s strategy. “Rishabh is a phenomenal player with an infectious attitude and winning mentality. However, after signing Iyer, we decided not to engage in another high-stakes bidding war,” Ponting stated during a post-auction interaction.
Punjab Kings’ Strategic Moves in the Marquee Picks
PBKS’s investment in Shreyas Iyer signals their commitment to building a robust core around proven match-winners. By allocating a significant chunk of their budget to Iyer, the franchise made calculated decisions about subsequent bids. This strategy reflects a focus on maximizing impact rather than spreading resources too thinly.
While Iyer is seen as a strong contender for the captaincy role, Ponting emphasized that discussions with the player about leadership responsibilities are yet to take place.
Lucknow Super Giants Bag a Game-Changer in Pant
Pant’s record-breaking deal with LSG underscores his immense value in T20 cricket. With his ability to change games single-handedly, the wicketkeeper-batter will undoubtedly be a centerpiece of LSG’s plans for the IPL 2025 season.
Auction Highlights and Key Takeaways
- Shreyas Iyer: Purchased by Punjab Kings for INR 26.75 crore (second-highest IPL fee ever).
- Rishabh Pant: Secured by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crore (highest-paid IPL player in history).
- PBKS retained INR 83.75 crore after the Iyer signing for further squad development.
- Pant’s acquisition strengthens LSG’s core, adding depth to their leadership and batting lineup.
The IPL 2025 auction has already set the stage for an exciting season, with teams making bold moves to secure their marquee players. Punjab Kings’ decision to invest in Shreyas Iyer over Rishabh Pant marks a defining moment that could shape their campaign for years to come. As fans eagerly await the season, the spotlight will remain on these high-profile acquisitions and their impact on the league.