Published By: Sayan Guha

IPL Auction: The Shockers, Blockbusters, and Unheard Stories

Credit: Cricket Addictor

From record-breaking bids to legends left in the cold, this auction was anything but predictable

The flash and glamour of the IPL auction returned after two and a half years, but this time, it was historic in more ways than one. The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in the wealthy city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was about more than simply constructing teams; it was also about rewriting records. With ten franchisees spending ₹639.15 crore, this auction was full of drama, shocks, and heartbreaks. But what actually stole the show? Let’s take a look at some of the occasions that made fans stop and stare.

When crores were tossed like loose change

The auctioneer’s hammer had hardly cooled before the wallets came out swinging. Indian players shined brightest, with Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player ever, scooping an eye-popping ₹27 million from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Shreyas Iyer joined Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, while Venkatesh Iyer cost Kolkata Knight Riders ₹23.75 crore.

Was this shocking? Not exactly, considering their recent performance, but such astronomical sums undoubtedly made mouths drop. The message was clear: IPL teams would not hold back if you had the talent.

Finally, bowlers get their moment in the sun

IPL auctions appeared to favour batters for years, but bowlers reversed the script this time. Arshdeep Singh, India’s T20 World Cup star, has returned to Punjab Kings for a whopping ₹18 crore. Yuzvendra Chahal, IPL’s all-time top wicket-taker, also sold for ₹18 crore. International bowlers like Jofra Archer and Josh Hazlewood received ₹12.50 crore apiece.

It was about time the magicians with the ball had their due. After all, it is their artistry that turns matches upside down.

RCB’s curious call on Will Jacks

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) found themselves in an unusual scenario when they let their great all-rounder, Will Jacks, slip away. Mumbai Indians grabbed him for ₹5.25 crore. What made it even more intriguing? Mumbai’s owner, Akash Ambani, stepped up to the RCB table to shake hands—part thanks, half banter? Fans couldn’t understand why RCB didn’t utilise their Right-to-Match (RTM) card.

Legends left in the lurch

The auction could have been fairer for everyone. Some of the game’s biggest names, such as David Warner, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, went unsold. It was a heartbreaking reminder that cricket, like life, can be a harsh sport. Even James Anderson, who participated in his maiden IPL auction at the age of 42, received no bids.

But the shock was not only in the names but in the stark difference. While Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 13, became the youngest player ever auctioned for ₹1.10 crore, these seasoned players exited the stage empty-handed.

Uncapped players turn heads

Don’t underdog stories usually make you smile? Rasikh Salam Dar, a promising uncapped player, was signed by RCB for ₹6 crore. Naman Dhir and Abdul Samad both signed expensive contracts, demonstrating once again that IPL scouts are constantly looking for the next big thing.

A rollercoaster ride to remember

The IPL 2025 auction was more than just numbers; it was about ambitions realised and hopes destroyed. From record-breaking offers to the astonishment of those who remained unsold, it highlighted the heart of cricket—a game where fortunes can change instantly.

Fans wonder if these expenditures will be worthwhile when the dust settles. Only time and the next season will tell. But one thing is sure: this auction has already set the tone for a spectacular IPL 2025.