Lucknow’s Record-Breaking Bid for Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 Auction
In a thrilling and historic moment at the IPL Mega Auction 2025, Rishabh Pant set a new record, becoming the most expensive player in IPL history. In just a few minutes, the bidding war escalated, shattering the previous record set by Shreyas Iyer. Pant was sold to the Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering ₹27 crores, surpassing Iyer’s record of ₹26.75 crores by a narrow margin. The intense bidding war drew attention from some of the biggest teams in the league, making it one of the most exciting auctions to date.
Pant’s Rapid Ascent to the Top
Entering the auction with a base price of ₹2 crores, Pant’s value skyrocketed as soon as the bidding began. It was a fierce contest among franchises, with RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) and Lucknow Super Giants initially leading the charge. However, the bidding took a dramatic turn when Sunrisers Hyderabad joined in, escalating Pant’s price to over ₹10 crores within moments. The tension in the auction room was palpable as Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran and Lucknow owner Sanjay Goenka went head-to-head, determined to secure Pant’s services.
Lucknow’s Bold Moves Stun Competitors
The pivotal moment came when Lucknow made an unprecedented move by placing a direct bid of ₹7 crores, raising Pant’s price from ₹20 crores to ₹27 crores. The bold bid left other competitors stunned, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, who withdrew after their bid of ₹20.75 crores. Lucknow’s aggressive strategy paid off as they emerged victorious in the auction battle, with no other franchise daring to challenge their final offer.
Delhi’s Last Stand with RTM
Adding to the excitement was Delhi’s decision to exercise the RTM (Right to Match) card. However, even the defending champions could not match Lucknow’s record offer. They gracefully stepped aside after Lucknow’s ₹27 crore bid, acknowledging the historic nature of the auction. With that, Rishabh Pant officially became the costliest player in IPL history, surpassing Shreyas Iyer’s previous record.
Pant’s Impact on the Lucknow Super Giants’ Strategy
With this significant acquisition, the Lucknow Super Giants have made their intentions clear for the upcoming IPL season. Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive batting and dynamic wicket-keeping, is expected to play a pivotal role in Lucknow’s strategy. His addition not only boosts the team’s batting lineup but also adds valuable leadership experience.
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction will be remembered for its dramatic twists and record-breaking bids. Rishabh Pant’s monumental sale at ₹27 crores marks a new era in IPL auctions, with teams pushing the boundaries to secure top talent. The eyes of the cricketing world will now be on Pant to see how he justifies his historic price tag and leads Lucknow Super Giants to potential IPL glory.
