The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw Shreyas Iyer become the second-most expensive player in IPL history. After an intense bidding war, Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured the services of the Mumbai-based batter for a staggering Rs 26.75 crore on November 24.
This marked a historic moment for Iyer, who had previously led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL 2024 championship win. Although Iyer briefly held the title of the most expensive IPL player, the record was broken by Rishabh Pant, who was signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for an unprecedented Rs 27 crore.
Shreyas Iyer’s First Reaction
Shortly after the auction, Shreyas Iyer expressed his excitement about joining Punjab Kings. In a video shared by the franchise, Iyer said, “Hello everyone! Elated to join the Punjab Kings family! I can’t wait to kick start the IPL 2025 season. Looking forward to it.” Released by KKR ahead of the auction, the 29-year-old batter entered with a base price of Rs 2 crore.
Multiple franchises vied for his services, with Delhi Capitals and his former team KKR showing strong interest. Ultimately, Punjab Kings outbid all competitors to add Iyer to their roster, recognizing his consistency and ability to anchor the middle order.
Bidding War Highlights and Iyer’s Impact
Shreyas Iyer’s stats in the IPL underscore his value as a player. Over 115 matches, he has scored 3,127 runs at an impressive average of 32.24 and a strike rate of 127.48. His record includes 21 half-centuries and a personal best of 96 runs. These attributes made him one of the most sought-after players in the auction.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant’s acquisition by LSG reflected a similar battle, with his leadership and match-winning skills driving his record-breaking price. The fierce competition for Iyer and Pant not only highlights their talent but also underscores the growing stakes and excitement in the IPL. Punjab Kings fans are now eagerly anticipating Iyer’s debut in the red and gold jersey.
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