- Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore, Lucknow Super Giants, 2025)
Rishabh Pant broke all previous records in the IPL 2025 mega auction and became the most expensive player in the history of the league. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bought the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman for ₹27 crore after he was surprisingly released by Delhi Capitals. During the Auction, Delhi Capitals had initially used the Right To Match (RTM) card for Pant at ₹20.75 crore, but LSG then increased their bid to ₹27 crore, forcing DC to pull out.
Pant's aggressive batting style, his ability to single-handedly change the course of a match and his potential as a future leader made him a highly sought-after commodity. Despite a mixed start to the 2025 season, LSG will hope that Pant justifies his hefty price tag with match-winning performances as the tournament progresses.
- Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore, Punjab Kings, 2025)
Just moments before Pant's record-breaking bid, Shreyas Iyer had become the most expensive player in IPL history. Punjab Kings (PBKS) paid a whopping ₹26.75 crore to acquire the services of the former Kolkata Knight Riders title-winning captain. Iyer's reputation as a dependable middle-order batsman with excellent leadership skills made him a prime target for several franchises. Aiming to build a strong core and a winning mindset, PBKS saw Iyer as the ideal candidate to lead them in the upcoming season. Under his captaincy, Punjab Kings have been playing quite well and are currently placed second in the points table. In the upcoming cricket matches of IPL 2025, Punjab's team can secure their place in the playoffs and perhaps even their dream of winning the title.
- Mitchell Starc (₹24.75 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024)
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc held the record of the most expensive IPL player for a short time after the 2024 auction. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent ₹24.75 crore to acquire his brilliant fast bowling services. Known for his fast pace, swing and deadly yorkers, Starc's return to the IPL after a long gap created a lot of excitement. KKR's investment immediately paid dividends as Starc played a key role in their victorious 2024 campaign, proving his worth as a world-class match-winner.
- Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders, 2025)
Kolkata Knight Riders once again made headlines at the auction, this time for retaining their star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for a whopping ₹23.75 crore. Iyer emerged as a brilliant top-order batsman and a fine medium pacer last season, making him an invaluable asset for KKR. His ability to score quick runs and provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball justified the franchise's decision to invest heavily in retaining him for the 2025 season.
- Pat Cummins (₹20.50 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2024)
Another Australian pacer, Pat Cummins, features in the list of the five most expensive players in IPL history. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired his services for a whopping ₹20.50 crore in the 2024 auction. Cummins, known for his flamboyant bowling, leadership skills as an Australian Test captain and ability to contribute with the bat, was seen as a complete package. He played a key role in SRH's campaign in 2024, leading the team with his tactical acumen and delivering crucial performances with both bat and ball. These top five most expensive players highlight the intense competition and financial might of the IPL. Franchises are willing to invest heavily in players they believe can get them closer to the coveted IPL trophy, making the auction a spectacle in itself. While price tags often come with enormous pressure