Rishabh Pant: The Most Expensive Player in IPL 2025

Imagine a cricket auction turning into a blockbuster movie scene—bidders raising paddles like they’re fighting for a golden ticket, the tension rising with every crore, and a young Indian star sitting at the heart of it all. That’s exactly what happened on November 24-25, 2024, in the dazzling city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the IPL 2025 mega auction. The star of the show?

None other than Rishabh Pant, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter who walked away as the most expensive player in IPL history, was snapped up by Lucknow Super Giants for a jaw-dropping ₹27 crore. Yes, you read that right—27 crore rupees! This isn’t just a number; it’s a statement about Pant’s talent, charisma, and the madness of IPL auctions.

The IPL, or Indian Premier League, is no stranger to big money and bigger drama. Every year, teams splash the cash to build their dream squads, but 2025 took things to a whole new level. Pant’s price tag smashed records, leaving fans, experts, and even rival teams stunned. So, how did a 27-year-old from Delhi become the hottest property in cricket? What makes him worth more than some Bollywood stars earn in a year? Let’s dive into this thrilling story of talent, triumph, and a bidding war that’ll be talked about for years.

The Auction That Shook the Cricket World

Picture this: a packed room in Jeddah, team owners and coaches whispering strategies, and auctioneer Hugh Edmeades calling out names. The IPL 2025 mega auction was already buzzing with excitement. Earlier that day, Shreyas Iyer had set a new benchmark when Punjab Kings shelled out ₹26.75 crore for him. Everyone thought that was the ceiling—until Rishabh Pant’s name came up. The base price started at a modest ₹2 crore, but within minutes, it was a full-on war.

Delhi Capitals, Pant’s former team, kicked things off, desperate to bring their ex-captain back. Then came Kolkata Knight Riders, followed by Lucknow Super Giants, who weren’t backing down. The numbers climbed fast—₹10 crore, ₹15 crore, ₹20 crore—and the crowd couldn’t believe their ears. Delhi fought hard, matching bids up to ₹20.55 crore, but Lucknow pushed harder. When the hammer finally fell at ₹27 crore, the room erupted. Pant, with his cheeky smile and cool vibe, had just rewritten IPL history.

This wasn’t just about money; it was about belief. Lucknow Super Giants saw in Pant a game-changer, a leader, and a brand. But how did this young man, who once played street cricket in Roorkee, become worth more than any IPL player before him? Let’s rewind a bit.

From Delhi Streets to IPL Stardom

Rishabh Pant’s story is the kind that inspires kids to pick up a bat. Born on October 4, 1997, in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, he grew up dreaming of cricket. His family moved to Delhi so he could train at the famous Sonnet Club under coach Tarak Sinha. Even as a teenager, Pant stood out—he hit the ball hard, played fearlessly, and had a knack for winning games. In 2016, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) spotted his spark and picked him up for ₹1.9 crore. Back then, that was a big deal for a 19-year-old.

 

Pant didn’t waste time proving his worth. In IPL 2018, he smashed an unbeaten 128 off 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad—a knock that made everyone sit up and take notice. He finished that season with 684 runs, showing he could dominate bowlers with his aggressive style. Over the years, he became Delhi’s heartbeat, leading them to their first IPL final in 2020 as captain. His quick hands behind the stumps and big shots in front made him a fan favorite.

But life threw a curveball in December 2022. Pant survived a horrific car accident that left him with injuries to his knee, ankle, and head. Doctors said he might never play again. Yet, this fighter bounced back. By 2024, he was smashing sixes again in the IPL and leading India to glory in the T20 World Cup. That comeback story—grit, guts, and glory—added a golden layer to his value in 2025.

Why ₹27 Crore? What Makes Pant So Special?

You might wonder: why would a team spend ₹27 crore on one player? The answer lies in what Pant brings to the table. First, he’s a match-winner. Whether it’s chasing 200 or setting a target, Pant can turn games upside down. His strike rate in the IPL hovers around 150, meaning he scores fast and keeps the pressure on bowlers. Second, he’s a wicketkeeper—a rare skill that adds huge value. Teams need someone reliable behind the stumps, and Pant’s lightning-fast hands fit the bill.

Then there’s his leadership. At just 23, he took over as Delhi’s captain in 2021 and led with swagger. He’s bold, smart, and knows how to rally a team—qualities Lucknow Super Giants want. Plus, he’s young. At 27, Pant has years of cricket ahead, making him a long-term investment. And let’s not forget his star power. With millions of fans on Instagram and that infectious smile, he’s a marketer’s dream. For Lucknow, Pant isn’t just a player; he’s a face, a leader, and a ticket to trophies.

The Lucknow Super Giants Gamble: Rishabh Pant

Lucknow Super Giants, or LSG, entered the IPL in 2022 and have been building a solid team. Led by KL Rahul in previous seasons, they’ve made the playoffs twice but haven’t won the title yet. In 2025, they decided to shake things up. Rahul moved to Delhi Capitals, and LSG needed a new hero. Enter Rishabh Pant. With ₹27 crore spent, they’ve put their faith in him to lead and deliver.

It’s a bold move. Spending so much on one player leaves less money for others, but LSG believes Pant’s worth it. They’ve paired him with talents like Nicholas Pooran and Avesh Khan, hoping his energy will lift the squad. Fans are already buzzing about seeing Pant in LSG’s green and blue jersey, smashing sixes at Ekana Stadium. Will he justify the price? Only time will tell, but one thing’s sure—this is a gamble that’s got everyone talking.

How Does ₹27 Crore Stack Up?

To put Pant’s price in perspective, let’s look back. Before 2025, the IPL’s most expensive player was Mitchell Starc, bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹24.75 crore in 2024. Shreyas Iyer’s ₹26.75 crore earlier in the 2025 auction broke that record, but Pant topped it hours later. Compare that to IPL’s early days—MS Dhoni fetched $1.5 million (about ₹6 crore then) in 2008. Inflation, TV rights, and the IPL’s global hype have sent prices soaring, but ₹27 crore is a new peak.

Pant’s deal also dwarfs some international stars. Pat Cummins went for ₹20.50 crore to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024, while Ben Stokes fetched ₹16.25 crore in 2023. Pant, an Indian player, outshining these giants shows how much teams value homegrown talent with proven IPL pedigree. It’s a sign of the league’s evolution—Indian stars are now the biggest draws.

What’s Next for Pant and IPL 2025?

As the dust settles on the auction, all eyes are on IPL 2025, set to kick off in March. Pant will step into a new chapter with Lucknow, likely as captain. He’ll face tough challenges—leading a team, handling pressure, and proving that ₹27 crore wasn’t a fluke. Fans can’t wait to see him take on his old team, Delhi Capitals, or rivals like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Every six he hits will feel like a crore well spent.

For the IPL, Pant’s record price sets a new bar. Will we see ₹30 crore bids in 2026? Maybe. The league keeps growing, with more money, more fans, and more drama. But for now, Rishabh Pant is the king of the auction, a symbol of how far Indian cricket has come. From a small-town kid to a ₹27 crore superstar, his journey is one for the ages.

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FAQs About Rishabh Pant and IPL 2025

1. Who is the most expensive player in IPL 2025?

Rishabh Pant holds that title, bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore during the mega auction in Jeddah on November 24-25, 2024. It’s the highest price ever paid in IPL history.

2. Why did Lucknow Super Giants spend so much on Pant?

They see him as a game-changer—an explosive batter, skilled wicketkeeper, and natural leader. His youth and fan appeal also make him a long-term asset for the team.

3. Which team did Pant play for before LSG?

Pant was with Delhi Capitals from 2016 to 2024. He even captained them, leading the side to the IPL final in 2020, before they released him ahead of the 2025 auction.

4. How much was the previous IPL record price?

Before Pant, Shreyas Iyer was the most expensive, fetched by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore in the same 2025 auction. Pant broke that record later that day.

5. What’s Rishabh Pant’s best IPL performance?

His unbeaten 128 off 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018 is legendary. It showed his ability to dominate any bowling attack.

6. Has Pant won the IPL before?

No, he hasn’t. He came close with Delhi Capitals in 2020, reaching the final, but they lost to Mumbai Indians. Maybe 2025 will be his year with Lucknow!

7. How old is Rishabh Pant?

Born on October 4, 1997, Pant is 27 years old as of March 2025, making him one of the youngest big buys in IPL history.

8. Did Pant’s car accident affect his value?

Not at all! After his 2022 accident, he made a stunning recovery, returning to form in 2024. If anything, his comeback boosted his reputation and price.

9. When does IPL 2025 start?

The exact dates aren’t confirmed yet, but it’s expected to begin in late March 2025, following the usual IPL schedule. Stay tuned for updates!

10. Can Pant justify his ₹27 crore price tag?

That’s the million-dollar—or crore—question! With his talent and track record, many believe he can, but he’ll need to deliver big runs and leadership for Lucknow.

Conclusion: A New King Crowned in Cricket’s Kingdom