IPL 2025 Mock Auction: Rishabh Pant Smashes Records With ₹33-Cr Bid, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer Among Most Expensive Buys

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The IPL 2025 Mock Auction showcased blockbuster deals, with Rishabh Pant setting a new record as the most expensive player, getting acquired by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a jaw-dropping ₹33 crore.

Wicketkeeper-batter Pant headlined the mock auctions held by broadcaster JioCinema’s 'Mega Auction War Room’, and KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer also emerged as high-value picks, securing ₹29.5 crore and ₹21 crore, respectively.

Rishabh Pant Commands Record Fee at IPL 2025 Mock Auction

Released by Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL Auction, Pant’s unparalleled talent and leadership skills sparked a bidding war. Representing PBKS, Eoin Morgan persistently raised the paddle to secure Pant.

After his signing, Morgan even compared Pant to the legendary MS Dhoni. PBKS strategically allocated over 30% of their ₹110.5 crore purse to lock in the wicketkeeper-batter.

Pant’s IPL stats are a testament to his value: 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93 in 111 matches. Even after recovering from a serious accident last year, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 games at an average of 40, reaffirming his form and resilience.

KL Rahul Joins RCB for ₹29.5 Crore in IPL 2025 Mock Auction

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made headlines by securing KL Rahul for ₹29.5 crore. Represented by Mike Hesson, RCB aimed to bolster their batting depth and fill the wicketkeeping void left by Dinesh Karthik’s departure. Hesson credited Rahul’s 'stabilising presence’ as the reason for the franchise to go big on the star batter.

KKR Reacquire Shreyas Iyer for ₹21 Crore in IPL 2025 Mock Auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) retained Shreyas Iyer in the mock auction, shelling out ₹21 crore for the former captain. "Shreyas brings proven leadership and consistency, which are crucial for KKR’s stability," said Sanjay Bangar, who represented the franchise.

IPL 2025 Mock Auction: Other Big Buys

Experts observed inflated prices across marquee players due to increased purse sizes and intense competition, with several players going for big bucks. The mock auction revealed potential strategies ahead of the real IPL 2025 Auction, with PBKS emerging as the most aggressive buyer. The franchise’s heavy investment in Pant and Jos Buttler (₹13.5 crore) highlights their intent to build a title-winning squad.