The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction witnessed a seismic shift in the cricketing landscape when Rishabh Pant became the highest-paid player in the tournament’s history. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) shattered records by? acquiring the services of the Indian wicketkeeper-batter for an unprecedented 27 crore.

Intense bidding war for Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 mega auction

Held in Saudi Arabia, the auction showcased intense drama, with Pant at the center of a fierce bidding war between LSG and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The deal left cricket enthusiasts and analysts astounded, with LSG’s decisive bid underlining their ambitions to dominate the upcoming season.

Pant, released by Delhi Capitals (DC) earlier this year, was the most sought-after player in the auction. Speculation was rife about where the dynamic batter would land, and as expected, the bidding was fierce. While SRH initially challenged LSG, the real drama unfolded when DC exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card, reigniting the contest. The bidding quickly escalated to INR 22 crore, and DC’s co-owner Parth Jindal showed no hesitation in pushing the limits to retain Pant. However, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka’s calculated strategy proved decisive.

The science behind the INR 27 crore bid

In an interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Goenka shed light on the meticulous planning behind the monumental bid. According to Goenka, extensive calculations were made to determine DC’s financial capacity and emotional attachment to Pant.

“There was science behind going at 27 Cr for Rishabh Pant. Delhi went at 26.5 Cr for Shreyas Iyer. So, then my feeling was, ‘Parth Jindal is so crazy for Rishabh Pant, he would go one up at the IPL Auction.�?So, the idea was to go two up from Parth, or even three up, and that is where he would stop. For Rishabh, we had calculated three scenarios, and in all of them, he was very important to us,” Goenka said.

Also READ: No Virat Kohli! Rajat Patidar picks top 3 RCB players to hit longest six i?n the IPL 2025

Sanjiv Goenka shares the key thought process

Goenka further revealed th??at LSG had set asid?e a budget of INR 25�?7 crore specifically for Pant, reflecting the franchise’s commitment to acquiring an Indian anchor around whom the team could revolve.

“We knew we were going to get him, and we had kept between 25 and 27 crores for him in all our planning. So, when the bidding stopped for Rishabh at 21-22 Cr, DC did not waste even a second to use RTM for him. So that means they were willing to go to the full extent that we have to take Rishabh,” LSG owner added.

Goenka emphas??ized the critical rol??e Pant would play in the LSG setup. Goenka acknowledged DC’s enthusiasm to retain Pant but speculated that circumstances behind the scenes might have influenced their inability to retain him earlier.

“However, whatever the circumstances were, they did not retain him, or Rishabh was not willing to be retained. It is not right for me to discuss that or comment on it, but they were keen. If you look at Parth’s reaction, it is more like the deal is done. Looking at all this, we thought 27 Cr was a safe bid. Had Rishabh not come to us, LSG would have missed an Indian anchor around whom the entire team is built,”

Pant’s remarkable comeback and recent form

Pant’s journey to becoming the IPL’s highest-paid player is nothing short of inspirational. Following a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, the cricketer faced a grueling year of recovery. However, his return in IPL 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the Capitals, Pant amassed 446 runs in 13 innings at a staggering strike rate of 155.40, including three half-centuries. His performances demonstrated his resi??lience and unmatched skill, reaffirming his status as one of the finest limited-overs players in the world.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Heman??g Badani makes a shocking revelation about Rishabh Pant’s exit from Delhi Capitals

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Bollywood actress and former Miss Diva Urvashi Rautela has finally addressed the persistent rumours linking her to cricketer Rishabh Pant. In a recent interv??iew, she cleared the air surrounding her alleged affair w??ith the Indian wicketkeeper-batter.

Urvashi Rautela opens up about her dating rumours with Rishabh Pant

Urvashi emphasized her desire to keep her personal life private and focus on her career. She expressed her frustration with the constant sc??rutiny and unfounded rumours surrounding her personal life.

“Regarding the persistent rumours linking me with RP (Rishabh Pant), I want to clarify that these memes and rumours are unfounded. I prefer to keep my personal life private. My focus remains on my career and the work I am passionate about,” Urvashi was quoted as say?ing i?n her interview with NDTV.

“It’s important to address such matters with transparency”: Urvashi

The actress believes that such speculation is unnec??essary and prefers to address matters with transparency and honesty.

“It’s important to address such matters with transparency and to concentrate on the truth rather than speculation. I don’t understand why meme material pages get super excited,” she added.

Also READ: Did Rishabh Pant and Urvashi Rautela hit the gym together? The?? truth behind the viral pi??cture

Urvashi also acknowledged the challenges she has faced due to these rumours but stated that she remains focused on her work and personal growth. She believes that surrounding herself with supportive people and staying gro??unded in her values helps her manage the pressure and stay focused on her goals.

“Dealing with constant scrutiny and unfounded rumours about my personal life can be challenging. I handle it by focusing on how I can control my work and my personal growth. I choose to address rumours with clarity and honesty while maintaining my privacy and not letting speculation distract me from my career. Surrounding myself with supportive people and staying grounded in my values helps me manage the pressure and stay focused on my goals,” she added further.

Notably, Urvashi Rautela is a renowned face in the entertainment and the fashion industry with a massive fan following on social media. She began her modelling career through beauty pageants and made her Bollywood debut in 2013 with ‘Singh Saab the Great’ opposite Sunny Deol. Since then, she has achieved success in both Bollywood and South Indian films, known for her beauty, acting talent and fashion sense.

Also WATCH: Fans tease Urvashi Rautela with chants of ‘Rishabh..Rishabh..’; the actress comes up with a priceless reaction

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Delhi Capitals (DC)‘ newly appointed head coach, Hemang Badani, has provided detailed insights into the circumstances surrounding Rishabh Pant’s departure from the franchise.

Most expensive player in IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant

Pant, one of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) brightest stars, was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking sum of INR 27 crore during the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The move marked a significant moment in IPL history, as Pant became the most expensive player ever in the league. Despite Delhi exercising their right-to-match (RTM) option, the franchise ultimately decided not to continue bidding for their former captain, citing reasons tied to Pant’s ambitions and the auction dynamics.

New head coach Hemang Badani breaks silence

During an interview on Subramaniam Badrinath’s YouTube channel, Badani elaborated on why Capitals failed to retain their star wicketkeeper-batter. According to Badani, Pant was resolute in his desire to test his market value in the auction, a decision that took precedence over the franchise’s retention efforts. ” I think it’s the other way around. He wanted not to be retained. He said he wanted to to the auction and test the market,” Badani explained.

The coach revealed that extensive communication took place between Pant and the Delhi Capitals management in an attempt to retain him. “If you want to retain a player, both parties (the team and the player) have to agree on certain things. We tried talking to him, the management tried talking to him. There were a lot of phone calls and messages exchanged,” he added. Despite these effor?ts, Pant remained firm in his decision, believing he could command a higher value than the INR 18 crore cap?? placed on retained players.

Also READ: 3 players who can captain D??elh?i Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2025

A calculated move that paid off

Badani also suggested that Pant’s decision was not impulsive but a well-thought-out strategy based on his self-assessment and the dynamics of the auction.  Pant’s confidence in his market value was validated during the auction when LSG raised their bid to INR 27 crore, setting a new benchmark for IPL contracts. Badani acknowledged Pant’s reasoning and congratulated him on his historic signing.

“He said he wanted to go to the auction and test the mark. He said he had a feeling that there were chances he would get more money than the highest cap for retained player, which is �?8 crore. And, at the end of the day, he felt he was worth more. And the market said the same thing. He got �?7 crore. Good for him. He is a very good player. We will obviously miss him. But, life goes on,” Badani concluded.

A heartfelt farewell from Delhi Capitals

Following the auction, Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, expressed his emotions over Pant’s departure in a heartfelt note shared on X. Jindal thanked Pant for his invaluable contributions to the team, both as a player and a captain, and expressed optimism about a potential reunion in the future. 

To Rishabh @RishabhPant17 you are and will always remain my younger brother – from the bottom of my heart I love you and I have tried everything to make sure you are happy and have treated you like my family. I am very sad to see you go and I am very emotional about it. You will�?/p>

— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) November 26, 2024

Pant’s record-breaking deal naturally fueled speculation about the role of finances in his departure from Capitals. However, Pant himself took to social media to refute these claims. In response to a video where Sunil Gavaskar suggested that financial disagreements might have been a factor, Pant wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say.” This statement was an attempt to clear the air and shift the narrative away from monetary mo??tives.

Also READ: Parth Jindal reveals Delhi Ca??pitals (DC) captaincy can?didates for IPL 2025

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Few players in the cricketing world embody the spirit of joy and enthusiasm like Rishabh Pant. Known for his flamboyant batting style and vibrant personality, Pant recently captured hearts with a touching moment in Adelaide. As he prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test scheduled to take place in Brisbane, his int??????????????????????????eraction with a little girl showcased not just his sporting prowess but also his genuine character off the field.

Rishabh Pant’s playful moments with young fans in Australia

During a break from practic?e, Pant took a few moments to engage with a young fan, a gesture that quickly went viral on social media. In the heartwarming video, Pant is seen lifting the girl into his lap and sharing playful banter, radiating warmth and joy that resonated with viewers around the globe.

This moment is particularly significant as it underscores the importance of athletes as role models. Pant’s willingness to take time out from his rigorous training schedule to interact with a child paints him as not just a cricketer but also a compassionate individual who values his fans and their experiences.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant plays a humorous prank on Adam Gilchrist during the Pink Ball Test

Here’s the video:

What a guy is this Rishabh pant yaar.🥹❤️

Today Rishabh pant spotted in a mall in Adelaide, There he met a fan And the way he playing with that fan's little kid.☺️🙌 pic.twitter.com/5G73YZIQem

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 9, 2024

Challenges faced by Pant in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy progresses, Pant’s performances have been a mixed bag. In the first two Tests of the series, he scored 1 and 37 in Perth, followed by 21 and 28 in Adelaide, contributing to India’s fluctuating fortunes. Currently tied at 1-1 in the five-match series, India face a critical juncture as they prepare for the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14. With India sitting third in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, every match become??s crucial for their as??pirations.

The upcoming match is not just another game; it’s an opportunity for Pant to again showcase his resilience and impact of a match winner on a larger stage. Having returned from a serious car accident earlier this year, his presence in the squad is vital.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s how India have performed i??n Brisbane Tests �?f??rom lowest total of 58 runs in 1947 to a landmark victory in 2021

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In the high-stakes world of international cricket, moments of levity can often be overshadowed by the pressure of performance. However, during the second Test match between Australia and India in Adelaide, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant provided a delightful distraction from the game’s intensity. His playful prank on former Australian captain Adam Gilchrist during a live interview b?ecame a highlight, showcasing that e??ven in challenging times, cricket retains its spirit of camaraderie.

Rishabh Pant plays a game of peek a boo with Adam Gilchrist

Ahead of the third day’s play, Pant seized an opportunity to inject some humour into the proceedings. Sneaking up behind Gilchrist, who was in the midst of a live interview for the host broadcaster, Pant playfully covered his eyes. The former Australian great was momentarily caught off guard but quickly broke into a smile upon recognizing Pant. The light-hearted exchange was further enriched by former India coach Ravi Shastri, who humorously dubbed it a “wicket-keeper’s reunion,” this spontaneous act no??t only delighted fans but also h?ighlighted the bond shared between players across generations.

Also READ: Here are the updated WTC 2023-25 standings after India’s 10-wicket loss against Australia in the P??ink Ball Test

Here’s the video:

Gilly got a surprise on the field ⁉️#Cricket #AUSvIND #RishabhPant #AdamGilchrist #BrettLee #IsaGuha #RaviShastri #Foxtel pic.twitter.com/6PvwP5pr6j

— Foxtel (@Foxtel) December 8, 2024

A tough match for India

While Pant’s on-field performance during the Test may not have matched the charm of his off-field antics – scoring 21 and 28 in his two innings – his prank provided a much-needed respite from India’s struggles. The team faced a crushing 10-wicket defeat, with their batting lineup failing to make a significant impact against Australia’s formidable bowling attack. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were particularly devastating, with Starc claiming six wickets for 48 runs in India’s first innings and Cummins taking five wickets in the second.

The Adelaide Test was marked by India’s batting woes. In their first innings, India managed only 180 runs, with Starc’s exceptional bowling dismantling their lineup. The second innings saw little improvement as Cummins led Australia bowled India out for just 175 runs. This dismal performance left India down, with Australia achieving the paltry target of 19 runs in just 3.2 overs to level the 5-match series 1-1.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Morne Morkel highlights Indi?an bowlers�?mistakes after massive defeat in Pink Ball Test

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The stage is set for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, scheduled to begin under the lights at Adelaide on December 6. After a commanding 295-run win in the opening Test at Perth, Team India will enter the pink-ball Test brimming with confidence. Australia, on the other hand, will aim to regroup and?? deliver a str?ong response to level the five-match series.

Before the high-stakes clash, India is gearing up with a warm-up pink-ball game against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. This prep?aratory match will allow the visit?ors to acclimatize to the conditions and finalize their strategy for Adelaide.

Rishabh Pant’s playful gesture with Harshit Rana

During their journey from Perth to Canberra for the warm-up match, the Indian team was seen in high spirits, showcasing their camaraderie and relaxed vibe. A light-hearted moment between wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and pacer Harshit Rana caught fans�?attention. Pant playfully handed a lollipop to Rana, the debutant from the first Test, bring??ing smiles to the team and fans alike.

The moment was captured in a video shared by the BCCI, offering fans a glimpse into the team’s off-field dynamics. The camaraderie among players reflects the positive atmosphere within the squad as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.

Here is the video:

Perth �?a href="//twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etf??w" data-wpel-link="exclude">#TeamIndia have arrived in Canberra! 🛬#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/IhNtPmIOah

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 28, 2024

Also READ: AUS vs IND 2024: Australia add Tasm?anian all-rounder for Pink-Ball Test amid Mitchell Marsh’s fitness concerns

An exciting battle awaits in Adelaide

With India holding a 1-0 advantage in the five-match Border-Gavaskar series, the visitors will look t?o capitalize on their commanding start and take another step toward regaining the coveted trophy. A second consecutive victory in Adelaide would not only solidify their dominance but also put immense pressure on the hosts.

However, writing off Australia would ?be premature, ??as they are renowned for their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. The Adelaide Test, being a pink-ball affair under lights, adds an intriguing dimension to the contest. Australia boasts an enviable track record in day-night Tests, often thriving in the unique conditions.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Sanj?ay Manjrekar picks the ‘greatest?? ball�?in Jasprit Bumrah’s career

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Urvil Patel, the 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Gujarat, has etched his name in history by setting a new record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian. Patel achieved the feat in just 28 balls during a thrilling match against Tripura in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, held in Indore.

Opening the batting, Patel single-handedly dismantled the Tripura bowling attack, leading his team to chase down the 156-run target with a remarkable 58 balls to spare. Patel’s explosive innings featured seven fours and a remarkable 12 sixes, remaining unbeaten in an eight-wicket win. His strike rate of 322.86 was an impressive showcase of his aggressive batting style.

Urvi Patel shatters Rishabh Pant’s record

While Patel’s innings stole the limelight, his opening partner played a more reserved knock, scoring 38 off 24 balls. Patel, however, proved to be the game-changer with his devastating batting. His performance surpassed expectations, as his quick-fire century broke the previous record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian, held by Rishabh Pant, who had scored his ton in 32 balls during ??the 2018 edition of the same co??mpetition.

IPL snub doesn’t halt Patel’s momentum

Despite his remarkable achievement, Patel’s IPL journey has been less than ideal. The Gujarat Titans had released him ahead? of the 2023 season, and he went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Saudi Arabia recently. This means that Patel is yet to make his IPL debut, despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket.

However, Patel has continued to impress on the domestic circuit. Last year, after being let go by the Titans, he set another record, scoring a 41-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier List A competition. This was the second-fastest List A century by an Indian batter, trailing only Yusuf Pathan‘s 40-ball century from 2010.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant’s heartening reaction after LSG ropes? him for INR 27 crore at IPL mega auction

Patel acquires second spot among fastest T20 centurions globally

While Patel’s achievement is a milestone for Indian cricket, the record for the fastest T20 century remains with Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who achieved the feat earlier this year. Before Chauhan, only the legendary Chris Gayle (RCB v Pune Warriors, IPL 2013) had scored a T20 century in 30 balls or fewer. Patel’s 28-ball century now joins this exclusive list, officially making him the fastest Indian to reach the landmark and second overall.

Fastest centuries in T20 cricket:

Also READ: Sanjiv Goenka opens up on the possibility? of ??Rishabh Pant leading Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, witnessed a historic moment as Shreyas Iyer was sold to the Punjab Kings for a staggering INR 26.75 crore. This monumental bid not only made Iyer the most expensive player in IPL history at the time but also set the stage for an intense bidding war that captivated cricket fans worldwide. Iyer’s previous success as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), leading them to the IPL 2024 title, undoubtedly boosted his market v?alue and desirability among franchises.

A thrilling bidding war for Shreyas Iyer

The auction began with Iyer’s base price set at INR 2 crore, quickly escalating as multiple teams vied for his services. KKR, eager to reclaim their former captain, initiated the bidding, but soon found themselves in a fierce competition with the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. As bids soared past INR crore, it became clear that Iyer was a hot commodity. Ultimately, PBKS emerged victorious after a nail-biting exchange, securing Iyer just before Rishabh Pant was sold for INR 27 crore to Lucknow Super Giants, briefly eclipsing Iyer’s record-breaking bid.

Also READ: Sanjiv Goenka opens up on the possibility of?? Rishabh Pant leading Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025

Iyer’s response on joining Punjab Kings

Upon joining Punjab Kings, Shreyas expressed his excitement in a heartfelt video message: “Hello everyone. Elated to join the Punjab Kings family. I can’t wait to kickstart the season. Looking forward.” His enthusiasm reflects not only his personal a?mbition but also his commitment to contributing significantly t??o his new team as they aim for IPL glory in the upcoming season.

𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑 🔄 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐘𝐀𝐒! ♥️#ShreyasIyer #IPL2025Auction #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/jpJHcXPepQ

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 24, 2024

Iyer’s transf??er marks a pivotal moment for Punjab Kings, who have struggled to find consistent success in recent years. With a hefty investment in Iyer, they are betting on his leadership skills and batting prowess to turn their fortunes around. His recent form has been impressive; he scored two centuries in domestic competitions leading up to the auction, showcasing his readiness for the challenges ahead.

As IPL 2025 approaches, all e??yes will be on Iyer and his impact on Punjab Kings. With high expectations riding on him, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if he can replicate his previous successes and lead his new franchise to its first IPL title.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant’s heartening reaction ?after LSG rop??es him for INR 27 crore at IPL mega auction

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Rishabh Pant has shattered all previous records in IPL history after being picked by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for an astounding INR 27 crore at the ?IPL 2025 mega auction. This jaw-dropping price tag makes Pant the most expensive player ever in the league, overtaking all past benchmarks.

The bidding war between LSG and Delhi Capitals (DC) was intense, with Delhi exercising their Right to Match (RTM) card after LSG initially placed a bid of INR 20.75 crore. However, the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchi??se showed no hesitation, adding INR 6.25 crore to the bid and securing Pant for a record-breaking sum. The acquisition has set a high bar, making Pant’s addition the most talked-about move ahead of the upcoming IPL season.

Will Rishabh Pant Lead LSG in IPL 2025? Sanjiv Goenka reacts

With Pant’s stature in cricket a?nd his leadership experience, speculation has already started abou??t him taking over the captaincy of LSG. When asked if Pant would lead the team, franchise owner Goenka kept the excitement alive with a cryptic response.

“Bataunga, bataunga, very soon. (I’ll let you know). Let the auction get over, and we will tell you. Will inform you all very soon,” Goenka said in a chat with Cricbuzz, keeping fans on edge? about t??he leadership plans for the team.

Given Pant’s aggressive approach to cricket and his never-say-die attitude, he seems a natural fit for the captaincy role. His ability to lead under pressure, coupled with his experience in the ??IPL and international cricket, could make him the driving force behind LSG’s pursuit of their maiden title.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant’s heartening reaction after LSG ropes him for INR 27 crore at ??IPL mega auction

Why Pant was acquired at such a high price?

Goenka also offered clarity on why the franchise went all out ??for Pant, stating that the decision was not about creating headlines but part of a well-thought-out strategy.

“This was not about one individual player. It was not about egos. Did we want to have the most expensive player? No. At the end of the day, this does not mean very much to the franchise,” explained Goenka.

The LSG owner further hig??hlighted Pant’s resilience and determination, traits that perfectly align with the franchise’s vision.

“It is about somebody who brings dynamism, a never-say-die attitude. The very fact that he recovered from a near-fatal accident and came back to top form shows his resilience and determination. That is the kind of attitude we want. We want people who have an appetite to win and have a track record of winning,” added Goenka.

The decision to invest so heavily in Pant also reflects his ability to change the course of a game single-handedly, a quality that LSG believes will be critical in their journey to ?success.

Also READ: From MS Dhoni to Rishabh Pant: List of most expensive players bought in each IPL auction from 2008 ?to 2025

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