In a thrilling turn of events during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was sold to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a staggering INR 18 crores using the Right to Match (RTM) card.
This significant acquisition highlights Arshdeep’s rising status in T20 cricket and his critical role in the IPL.
IPL 2025 Auction Highlights
The auction, held on November 24, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw Arshdeep emerge as one of the most sought-after players.
Initially released by PBKS despite his impressive track record, he entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 crores.
His performances leading up to the auction, particularly in international T20 matches, had positioned him as a hot commodity.
Performance Background
Arshdeep Singh has made a name for himself as one of India’s premier T20 bowlers.
With 92 T20I wickets in just 59 matches, he is on track to become India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal’s record of 96 wickets.
His ability to bowl effectively in both the powerplay and death overs makes him a unique asset in the format.
In the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Arshdeep finished as one of the joint-highest wicket-takers with 17 wickets, further solidifying his reputation.
His standout performance in a recent T20I against South Africa, where he took three crucial wickets while defending a high total, showcased his skill under pressure.
Strategic Move by PBKS
Despite Arshdeep’s impressive credentials, PBKS had initially opted not to retain him, which raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
The franchise decided to focus on retaining two uncapped players instead. However, recognizing their mistake as bidding intensified during the auction, they exercised their RTM card to bring him back into the fold.
Using the RTM card allowed PBKS to match the highest bid for Arshdeep without losing him to another franchise. This strategic move not only secured a key player but also demonstrated their commitment to building a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
