The IPL 2025 auction witnessed record-breaking bids, with Shreyas Iyer fetching Rs 26.75 crore from Punjab Kings. Later, Rishabh Pant shattered the record with a staggering Rs 27 crore bid by the Lucknow Super Giants. The intense bidding wars highlighted the immense value of leadership and game-winning talent in T20 cricket.
Shreyas Iyer’s Journey to Punjab Kings
Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to the IPL 2024 title, was sold for Rs 26.75 crore.
Punjab Kings secured him after a fierce bidding war, making Iyer the second-highest bid in IPL history.
His captaincy experience and consistent performance in critical matches made him a prized acquisition.
Iyer expressed his excitement to join the Punjab Kings family and looked forward to the season.
Shreyas Iyer to Lead PBKS in IPL 2025, Ponting Reveals
Ricky Ponting confirmed Shreyas Iyer as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain for IPL 2025.
Iyer was bought for INR 26.75 crore after intense bidding between PBKS and Delhi Capitals.
Ponting shared he tried contacting Iyer but couldn’t reach him before confirming his leadership role.
KL Rahul Joins Delhi For 14 crore in IPL 2025 Auction
The Australian coach praised Iyer’s successful captaincy history and recent performance, highlighting his 130-run innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Ponting also addressed PBKS’s decision not to bid for Rishabh Pant, despite rumours.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet, Shreyas, about it. I tried to call him before, but he didn’t answer his phone. So I mean, I’ve worked with him in the past. He’s been a successful captain in IPL before. I’ve worked with him for three or four years at Delhi, and obviously, he’s a championship-winning captain from last season. So we’ve got someone there that can do the job if that’s the way we decide to go. So I’m delighted to have him back and to be working with him,” Ponting said.
He explained that the team opted for Iyer, acknowledging Pant’s dynamic abilities but focusing on their current choices.
“He’s come off a good score yesterday as well and get 130 off about 50 balls yesterday. So if he can do that for us in the IPL, I think we’ll all be pretty happy,” the Aussie legend added.
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