Rishabh Pant set a new record as the most expensive player in IPL history when the Lucknow Super Giants shelled out a staggering Rs 27 crore to secure the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter during the tournament’s mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.
This marks only the second time an IPL auction has been conducted outside India, following last year’s event in Dubai.
LSG’s massive bid for Pant eclipsed Shreyas Iyer’s record as the tournament’s costliest player within minutes. Earlier, Punjab Kings had shattered the record by acquiring Iyer for Rs 26.75 crore.
Just moments before Pant claimed the title of the most expensive player, Shreyas Iyer had broken the previous record held by Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24.75 crore in the last auction.
Pant was ultimately picked up by LSG after his former team, Delhi Capitals, chose not to use the Right to Match card to retain him.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc fetched a significantly lower price this time, going to Delhi Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore, while England’s Jos Buttler was snapped up by Gujarat Titans for Rs 15.75 crore.
Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, known for his consistency, drew a massive Rs 18 crore bid from Punjab Kings, who utilised the Right to Match card to reclaim him. Meanwhile, South African speedster Kagiso Rabada was secured by Gujarat Titans for Rs 10.75 crore.
Shreyas Iyer, the former Kolkata Knight Riders captain, entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore. Delhi Capitals led with a Rs 26 crore bid, but Punjab Kings ultimately outbid them to acquire Iyer.
Chennai Super Kings initiated the bidding for Arshdeep, whose base price was also ₹2 crore. Following an intense bidding war, Punjab Kings exercised their Right to Match option to bring him back after releasing him earlier.
(With PTI inputs)