Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have emerged as the standout players in the IPL 2025 mock auction, with Pant fetching a staggering ₹33 crore and Rahul being sold for ₹29.5 crore.
This mock auction, conducted by JioCinema and Star Sports, provided a glimpse into what could be expected in the upcoming mega auction set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Rishabh Pant’s Record-Breaking Bid
Rishabh Pant, formerly the captain of Delhi Capitals (DC), was acquired by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for an impressive ₹33 crore.
Eoin Morgan, representing PBKS, emphasized Pant’s potential, likening him to a younger version of MS Dhoni due to his explosive batting style and leadership qualities.
Morgan stated that Pant’s combination of skills makes him an invaluable asset for any franchise, justifying the hefty price tag.
Pant’s exit from DC was not financially motivated, as he clarified on social media. His performance and age make him a long-term investment for PBKS, which has the highest auction purse of ₹110.5 crore among all teams.
KL Rahul’s Strategic Acquisition
KL Rahul was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹29.5 crore after parting ways with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Mike Hesson, representing RCB, highlighted Rahul’s experience and ability to anchor innings as crucial factors behind the bid.
Hesson noted that with the departure of Dinesh Karthik and the need for a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman post-Virat Kohli’s era, Rahul fits perfectly into RCB’s strategy.
Rahul’s consistent performance in recent seasons, including a strong showing in the ongoing Test series against Australia, has significantly boosted his stock. In IPL 2024, he averaged 37.14 with 520 runs, showcasing his capability as a top-order batsman.
Other Notable Purchases in IPL Auction
The mock auction also saw significant bids for other players:
- Shreyas Iyer: Sold to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹21 crore.
- Mitchell Starc: Acquired by Mumbai Indians (MI) for ₹18 crore.
- Arshdeep Singh: Bought by PBKS for ₹16.5 crore.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: Went to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹15 crore.
- Ishan Kishan: Sold to Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹15.5 crore
