IPL Auction 2025: Venkatesh Iyer to Liam Livingstone, Top 5 Most Expensive All-Rounders on Day 1 of Mega Auction

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IPL Auction 2025: The IPL Mega Auction 2025 got off to a thrilling start with some surprising moves in the all-rounder category. From Venkatesh Iyer's shocking price tag to the fierce battle for players like Liam Livingstone, Day 1 of the mega auction saw plenty of drama.

Despite some teams holding back due to budget constraints, others splashed big on some of the most valuable all-rounders in the game. Here's a breakdown of the top 5 most expensive all-rounders to be sold on Day 1.

Top 5 Most Expensive All-Rounders at IPL Auction 2025

Venkatesh Iyer: The Surprise Star of the Day

Venkatesh Iyer, a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024, was the biggest surprise of Day 1. Initially not retained by KKR, Iyer was expected to be a valuable pick in the auction, but his price soared well beyond expectations. Entering the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, Iyer quickly became the focal point of a fierce bidding war.

Teams like Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fought tooth and nail to secure his services. After a series of intense bids, KKR eventually secured Iyer for a massive ₹23.75 crore, making him the most expensive all-rounder on Day 1 of the auction. His exceptional all-round performance, with 1,326 runs in 50 IPL matches, justifies this hefty price.

Marcus Stoinis: The Finisher Who Commands Big Money

Next up was Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who fetched ₹11 crore from Punjab Kings (PBKS). Known for his finishing abilities and medium pace bowling, Stoinis has been an invaluable asset for any team. His versatility was on full display during his IPL 2024 campaign, where he scored 388 runs. Despite his inconsistency in earlier years, his big-hitting prowess and all-round capabilities have kept his price high. His move to PBKS further solidifies their middle-order strength.

Ravichandran Ashwin: The Veteran Returns Home

Ravichandran Ashwin's move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was one of the most anticipated during Day 1. The veteran off-spinner, with 180 IPL wickets, was bought for ₹9.75 crore. Known for his intelligence and variations, Ashwin is expected to contribute both as a bowler and a batsman for CSK, who will look to exploit his skills in both the middle overs and as a lower-order hitter.

Liam Livingstone: RCB Prevails in Bidding War

The English all-rounder Liam Livingstone was another big-ticket item in the IPL 2025 auction. Initially starting with a base price of ₹2 crore, the bidding quickly escalated with teams like CSK and DC in the mix. Ultimately, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the bid for ₹8.75 crore. Livingstone's power-hitting and spin bowling will provide RCB with much-needed depth in both departments.

Harshal Patel: SRH Snags the Death Over Specialist

Lastly, Harshal Patel was sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹8 crore after a long bidding war. Known for his slower balls and death-over skills, Patel has been a standout performer for RCB in the past, winning the Purple Cap in IPL 2021. His ability to bowl in pressure situations makes him a valuable pick for SRH.

Day 1 of the IPL 2025 auction has been full of excitement, with some big-money buys. While the top all-rounders took center stage, it's clear that franchises are gearing up to add quality depth to their squads for the upcoming season. The race for all-rounders continues to intensify as more players enter the auction on Day 2.