5 Indians with Biggest Payday at IPL 2025 Mega Auction

The IPL 2025 mega auction was nothing short of a blockbuster spectacle, featuring massive paydays and unexpected team swaps for India's finest cricketing talents. Among the frenzy, five Indian stars stole the spotlight by commanding staggering sums.

Yuzvendra Chahal – ₹18 Crore

The IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, Yuzvendra Chahal, proved yet again why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Punjab Super Kings landed him for an eye-watering ₹18 crore after a fierce battle with Gujarat, Chennai, and Lucknow. With 205 wickets under his belt, Chahal’s legendary leg-spin and consistency make him a massive asset for Punjab, who aim to dominate the bowling charts this season.

Arshdeep Singh – ₹18 Crore

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm dynamo who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, ignited a bidding war like no other. Teams like Chennai, Delhi, and Rajasthan tried their best, but Punjab Super Kings weren’t letting him go. Using their RTM card, Punjab retained their star pacer for ₹18 crore, ensuring their bowling arsenal remains lethal.

Venkatesh Iyer – ₹23.75 Crore

In a jaw-dropping twist, Kolkata Knight Riders broke the bank to bring back Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore. Despite letting him go earlier, KKR made it clear they couldn’t afford to lose one of their star batters. His explosive batting and handy bowling sparked a fierce bidding war, with Lucknow and Bengaluru driving the price sky-high before KKR sealed the deal.

Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 Crore

Shreyas Iyer, the charismatic captain who led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL glory in 2024, was the centerpiece of a dramatic bidding war. Punjab Super Kings ultimately secured him for a whopping ₹26.75 crore, outbidding Delhi and Kolkata. His leadership skills and rock-solid performances with the bat make him a valuable addition to Punjab's squad.

Rishabh Pant – ₹27 Crore

Making history as the most expensive player ever in IPL auctions, Rishabh Pant smashed all records with a ₹27 crore deal. Lucknow Super Giants pulled out all the stops to outbid Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi for the fiery wicketkeeper-batsman. Pant’s electrifying batting and sharp glovework are set to make Lucknow a formidable force in the upcoming season.