In the recent IPL auction, both Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) made significant moves to secure new captains, with Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer stepping into those roles. Pant fetched a record-breaking INR 27 crore when LSG sought to preemptively counter a possible buyback by Delhi Capitals (DC), eclipsing the previous record set by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Mitchell Starc at INR 24.75 crore.
The bidding for Pant began with LSG and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and after a competitive back-and-forth with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), LSG ultimately secured him at a remarkable price. Shashwat Goenka, the owner of LSG, expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, citing strategic planning in their bidding approach.
On the other hand, Iyer became PBKS’s new focal point after being sold for INR 26.75 crore, following strong bids from KKR and DC. PBKS’s new coach, Ricky Ponting, highlighted his excitement to collaborate again with Iyer, whom he previously guided at DC.
Other notable purchases included KL Rahul, sold to DC for INR 14 crore, and allrounder Venkatesh Iyer, who returned to KKR for INR 23.75 crore. Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured Jos Buttler for INR 15.75 crore to enhance their batting lineup, while South African bowler Kagiso Rabada was acquired by Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 10.75 crore.
The auction also witnessed a strong performance from Jofra Archer, who returned to RR for INR 12.5 crore after a brief hiatus due to previous injuries. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal made headlines by being sold for INR 18 crore to PBKS, which reflected a significant increase from his previous auction price.
In contrast, while CSK got busy with multiple purchases post-marquise set bidding, teams like MI and RR had a quieter start, managing fewer acquisitions in the early rounds.
Summary: The IPL auction saw records shattered as teams sought to bolster their rosters with new leadership and star talents. LSG and PBKS emerged as front-runners, securing Pant and Iyer, while several players fetched impressive bids, indicating a dynamic shift in team strategies for the upcoming season.
This auction highlights the evolving landscape of IPL as teams push the boundaries on player valuations, reflecting a growing competitive spirit and the desire to build championship-contending squads. The future looks bright as teams invest significantly in proven leaders and talents.