The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, created quite a stir, with intense bidding wars and high-profile buys. The auction saw teams collectively spend a staggering Rs 639.15 crore to sign 182 players, while 395 players were left unsold. Among the surprise omissions were big names such as David Warner, Sarfaraz Khan, and Glenn Phillips. However, some players made headlines not only for their record-breaking prices but also for their personal lives. Here’s a look at the top five most expensive Indian players in IPL 2025, along with their wives.
1. Rishabh Pant – Rs 27 Crore
Known for his explosive batting and wicket-keeping skills, Rishabh Pant made history in IPL 2025 as the most expensive player ever. After a successful stint with Delhi Capitals, Pant was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for an eye-watering Rs 27 crore. With this massive deal, speculation has been rife about Pant possibly taking over as the captain of LSG.
Pant’s personal life also garnered attention when he publicly revealed his relationship with Isha Negi, a fashion stylist and entrepreneur. Their openness about their relationship is rare in the world of Indian cricketers, and the couple often shares their travels and moments on social media. Isha, with her impeccable style and entrepreneurial success, complements Pant’s on-field prowess.
2. Shreyas Iyer – Rs 26.75 Crore
Shreyas Iyer, the former captain of Delhi Capitals who led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2024, was bought by the Punjab Kings for a record Rs 26.75 crore in the 2025 auction. This deal marked a significant salary hike for Iyer, who earned Rs 12.25 crore in the previous auction—an increase of more than 118%. Iyer’s consistent batting and leadership qualities made him an ideal candidate for Punjab Kings.
Off the field, Shreyas Iyer is in a relationship with a well-known actress and model, who remains relatively private about their personal lives. Iyer’s commitment to his game and his evolving leadership role in IPL 2025 are expected to make him one of the season’s standout performers.
3. Venkatesh Iyer – Rs 23.75 Crore
Venkatesh Iyer, one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 IPL auction, made a stunning return to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 23.75 crore. The bidding war for this versatile all-rounder began at Rs 2 crore, but KKR ultimately secured him for a hefty sum, marking a staggering 197% increase in his previous salary.
Venkatesh’s personal life also made headlines earlier this year when he married his long-time girlfriend, Shruti Ragunathan, after KKR’s IPL 2024 title win. Shruti, a commerce graduate with a master’s in Fashion Management from NIFT, is a professional merchandise planner. The couple’s wedding in June 2024 was a much-celebrated affair, with Shruti’s career success and their shared love for fashion making them one of the most talked-about couples in the IPL circuit.
4. Arshdeep Singh – Rs 18 Crore
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad earlier this year, was another major acquisition during the IPL 2025 auction. The Punjab Kings used their Right to Match (RTM) card to bring Arshdeep back for a whopping Rs 18 crore. Known for his deadly yorkers and wicket-taking ability, Arshdeep’s consistency with the ball makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Arshdeep’s personal life has been kept a relatively low profile, but his growing stature in international cricket and IPL’s fast-paced environment have added to his fame.
5. Yuzvendra Chahal – Rs 18 Crore
Yuzvendra Chahal, IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, was again snapped up by the Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore. Known for his crafty leg-spin and ability to turn the game, Chahal is a stalwart of the IPL. He previously played for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Rajasthan Royals, establishing himself as one of the best spinners in the tournament.
Chahal’s personal life has also been in the limelight, thanks to his marriage to popular choreographer and actress Dhanashree Verma. The couple’s romance blossomed after they met in 2019 when Dhanashree was working as a choreographer with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. After a year of dating, they got engaged in August 2020 and tied the knot in December 2020. Dhanashree has gained fame for her dance videos and acting in music videos, and the couple’s social media presence is regularly filled with fun, love, and travel moments.
