Credit: IPL
In the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Rishabh Pant broke into record books for becoming the costliest player in the history of IPL auctions. The wicket-keeper batter went for INR 27 Crore and became part of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Following him, his Team India colleague Shreyas Iyer became the second-most expensive player as Punjab Kings (PBKS) bagged him after paying INR 26.75 Crore.
In the overseas-player category, Jos Buttler emerged as the most-expensive buy after pulling off the lucrative contract of INR 15.75 Crore from the 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans (GT). Noting the chart of sold players at the business event, SportsTiger has picked up 11 players from the list to form the best sold XI of the IPL 2025 auction.
Openers: Jos Buttler and KL Rahul
Jos Buttler, who got INR 15.75 Crore in the auction, will carry the responsibility of delivering rapid starts to GT in the upcoming season. KL Rahul will have to showcase his best as an opener for Delhi Capitals (DC) as the 2020 runners-up spent INR 14 Crore to include India veteran in their squad.
Middle-order batters: Shreyas Iyer (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), and David Miller
Shreyas Iyer will be expected to be attacking with his bat for PBKS after getting a lucrative contract. Rishabh Pant has become the costliest player in the auction and now, he will have to justify his amount in the upcoming T20 tournament, set to be played for more than two months. David Miller will have to play the role of an efficient finisher for LSG this season. Lucknow brought him into the squad after paying the southpaw INR 7.5 Crore.
All-rounders: Mitchell Santner and Abdul Samad
Mitchell Santner didn’t get a lot of chances in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last season but Mumbai Indians (MI) will look to utilise the Kiwi stalwart’s talent to taste success in the upcoming competition. MI splurged INR 2 Crore to reserve Santner’s services. Abdul Samad has the potential to change the game with his all-round skills and recognising his talent, LSG signed him up for INR 4.20 Crore at the business event held in Jeddah.
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal
Mitchell Starc looked superb with the ball for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024 and justified his heavy price tag of INR 24.75 Crore. This year, he became a part of DC for INR 11.75 Cr. Donning Delhi’s jersey, he will back himself to dominate batters with confidence. Bhuvenshwar Kumar will return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after 15 years.
The 35-year-old, who will make a comeback in Bengaluru after getting sold for INR 10.75 Crore, has massive experience and the veteran will look to do wonders with the ball to hand his team their first IPL trophy. Mohammed Shami will have to support his captain Pat Cummins to bolster Sunrisers Hyderabad’s pace attack. The 2016 IPL champions fetched Shami for INR 10 Crore.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s responsibility will be to lead Punjab’s spin-bowling unit. Chahal became a member of PBKS for INR 18 Crore and with this amount, he became the costliest spinner in the history of the auctions.
Impact Player: Kagiso Rabada in place of Jos Buttler
Kagiso Rabada will be seen in GT colours in the upcoming T20 extravaganza. Allying with Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, the 29-year-old will look to be impactful with the ball to help Gujrat replicate their 2022 success.
