IPL Auction 2025: Ishan Kishan to Quinton de Kock, Top Most Expensive Wicketkeepers on Day 1 of Mega Auction

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The IPL Auction 2025 set the stage on fire with a fierce battle for the top wicketkeeping talents in the game.

From explosive wicketkeeper-batters to tactical stalwarts behind the stumps, the auction witnessed some of the highest bidding wars, with Ishan Kishan, Jos Buttler, Quinton de Kock, and Rishabh Pant becoming the focal points of massive price tags.

Top Most Expensive Wicketkeepers on Day 1 of Mega Auction

Rishabh Pant made history by becoming the most expensive player in IPL Auction history, breaking the previous record with a staggering INR 27 crore bid. LSG made the first move, but SRH and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) quickly joined the fray. The competition was fierce, but Pant’s all-around abilities, including his leadership and match-winning skills, drove the price up. LSG emerged victorious, making Pant their new captain. His purchase not only adds a dynamic wicketkeeper to their squad but also strengthens their middle-order, making him one of the marquee signings for IPL 2025.

England’s Jos Buttler, renowned for his ability to change the game with his explosive batting and sharp wicketkeeping, triggered a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Gujarat Titans (GT). The auction started with a base price of INR 2 crore, and soon the battle was in full swing. As the bid crossed INR 10 crore, the tension rose between RR and GT, with the latter clinching the deal at INR 15.75 crore. Buttler’s move to GT brings in a seasoned batter and keeper who is sure to be a game-changer in the upcoming season of IPL.

Ishan Kishan, the Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper, became one of the biggest names to be sold on Day 1. With his base price set at INR 2 crore, it was a competitive bidding war between Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The bids soared steadily, reaching INR 10 crore before SRH seized the lead, winning Kishan for INR 11.25 crore. His ability to play aggressively and anchor innings in the middle-order makes him a valuable asset for any team, and SRH will be hoping his dynamic approach will add firepower to their batting lineup.

KL Rahul, one of India’s most consistent and versatile cricketers, is all set to join Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025 after a thrilling bidding war in the auction. Starting with a base price of INR 2 crore, Rahul quickly attracted attention from multiple franchises, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and others all keen on acquiring him. However, it was Delhi Capitals who eventually secured him for INR 14 crore. Known for his elegant stroke play, Rahul is a top-order batter with the ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed. His leadership experience, having captained Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the past, brings an added dimension to the Capitals squad. With his ability to handle pressure and deliver with both the bat and behind the stumps, KL Rahul's addition to DC is a massive boost, making them one of the more formidable teams in IPL 2025.

England’s Phil Salt, known for his aggressive and swashbuckling batting style, was one of the most sought-after players in this year’s auction. Initially listed with a base price of INR 2 crore, Salt quickly attracted interest from multiple franchises. The bidding saw Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) locked in a tense battle, with the price rising steadily. RCB, determined to add depth to their top order, eventually secured Salt for INR 11.5 crore. His ability to start innings with a flurry of boundaries in the powerplay will be a huge asset for RCB as they aim to strengthen their batting lineup for IPL 2025.

Quinton de Kock – KKR Secures the South African Wicketkeeper South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, a key player for Mumbai Indians in previous seasons, was another major acquisition of the day. Starting with a base price of INR 2 crore, he quickly became the subject of bidding between MI, SRH, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite MI's interest, it was KKR who managed to secure de Kock for INR 3.6 crore. Known for his explosive batting in the powerplay, de Kock will add strength to KKR’s top order, where his quick-fire starts can change the course of matches.

Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a promising wicketkeeper-batter known for his fearless batting, also made his way back into the IPL for 2025. Gurbaz, who played for KKR in IPL 2024, was once again picked up by the same franchise for his base price of INR 2 crore. Gurbaz’s explosive nature, especially in the early stages of the game, adds a vital dimension to KKR’s batting order. With his ability to counterattack and score quickly, he brings additional flexibility to their lineup. KKR’s decision to retain Gurbaz underscores their confidence in his potential, and they’ll be hoping that his contributions at the top of the order can provide the momentum they need for IPL 2025.