Star batter Shreyas Iyer hit the jackpot in the IPL 2025 mega auction which is being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. After a fierce bidding war, Shreyas Iyer was acquired by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore on Sunday, November 24. The Mumbai-based batter, who was crowned IPL 2024 champion with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This made him the most expensive player in IPL auction history at that point. However, his record was soon broken by Rishabh Pant, who was bought by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a whopping Rs 27 crore. With this Pant became the most expensive player in the IPL history.
Shreyas Iyer's first reaction after joining Punjab Kings for Rs 26.75 crore
Meanwhile, Iyer also expressed his exhilaration after joining the Punjab Kings franchise.
"Hello everyone! Elated to join Punjab Kings family! I can't wait to kick start the IPL 2025 season. Looking forward to it," Iyer said in a video posted by Punjab Kings.
Fierce bidding war for Shreyas Iyer
Iyer was surprisingly released by the KKR ahead of the 2025 IPL auction in Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old, with a base price of Rs 2 crore, was sought after by multiple franchises. Kolkata Knight Riders, eager to retain their captain, and Delhi Capitals, aiming for a homecoming for Iyer, were the initial contenders. However, it was Punjab Kings who emerged as the ultimate victor, outbidding Delhi Capitals to secure Iyer's services.
Iyer has established himself as a reliable and impactful middle-order batsman in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 115 matches, he has amassed 3,127 runs at an impressive average of 32.24 and a strike rate of 127.48. This combination of consistency and aggression has made him a valuable asset to any team. Iyer's highest score of 96 and 21 half-centuries further highlight his ability to contribute significantly to his team's success.
On the other hand, the bidding war for Rishabh Pant at the IPL 2024 auction was also intense. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) initiated the bidding, immediately followed by a strong counter-bid from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The price escalated rapidly, surpassing Rs 10 crore in no time. It was clear that Pant's value extended beyond his batting and wicket-keeping abilities; his leadership qualities and match-winning potential were highly sought after. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) joined the fray at Rs 10.5 crore, further intensifying the competition. The bidding continued to soar, reaching an unprecedented Rs 20 crore. But it was LSG, who finally won the bidding battle and roped in Pant.
