The 2025 IPL Mega Auction has kept several cricket fanatics and critics on the hook, as it dealt with cash-rich bids under the hammer and impeccable campaigners who will be a part of different or their old and homely franchises. As the Mega Auction notion suggests, almost every side has gone for a significant restructuring, whether going for a new captain or parting ways with their reliable bowling duo; it has shown it all.

However, the recent Mega Auction saw a colossal amount of bucks spent on several promising contenders. As expected, this time, we know a list comprising sole domestic players who have made a mark to the most expensive players for the forthcoming tournament, highlighting their robust calibre in offer for the respective franchises. That said, here's the list of the top five most expensive bids from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Rishabh Pant- INR 27 Crores (Lucknow Super Giants)

Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when the Lucknow Super Giants signed him for a staggering INR 27 crore. Lucknow emerged victorious in a tough bidding battle against clubs such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals, with the latter wanting to recover their former skipper. 

As the Super Giants released their first and reliable captain, KL Rahul, it was clear that the arsenal would go all out to capture the dashing left-handed wicketkeeper. A strong batsman with an IPL stats of 3,284 runs in 111 matches and a strike rate of 148.93 helps to add tremendous value to Lucknow's squad, which might potentially fill the wicketkeeping and, more importantly, their captaincy deficit.  

Shreyas Iyer- INR 26.75 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Shreyas Iyer, who guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024, was signed by the Punjab Super Kings for an enormous INR 26.75 crore. The fierce bidding saw Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata compete, with Punjab eventually outlasting the others. Iyer broke Mitchell Starc's IPL 2024 record for the highest-paid player, but Pant topped him shortly after.

With the Punjab Kings still to win their maiden IPL trophy, it would be interesting to observe how Iyer will lead his high-profile and influential team under the direction of his old coach, Ricky Ponting. Iyer, known for his dependability, has 3,127 runs in 115 IPL matches, which will help to stabilise Punjab's middle order as their new captain.  

Venkatesh Iyer- INR 23.75 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Despite releasing him before, the Kolkata Knight Riders went all out to re-sign Venkatesh Iyer for INR 23.75 crore. Iyer, known for his all-around abilities, was instrumental in KKR's success and continues to be a valuable asset to the brand. Kolkata won the bidding fight over Lucknow and Bengaluru.

In exchange, it has elicited various criticisms and perplexing thoughts about his performance and height, which deserve the price tag. But, as time passes, seeing how the most expensive IPL allrounder performs for the reigning champions will be intriguing. Iyer has 1,326 runs with a strike rate of 137.13 and three wickets in 50 IPL matches since making his debut in 2021. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Know about Priyansh Arya, Gurjapneet Singh, and Eshan Malinga?

Arshdeep Singh- INR 18 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Arshdeep Singh triggered a bidding battle as the day's first name. Teams including Chennai, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat made competitive bids before the Punjab Super Kings utilised their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain him for INR 18 crore. The 25-year-old left-arm bowler, who won the T20 World Cup, has 76 wickets in 65 IPL games and excelled with his recent exploits for India, including being the joint-highest wicket-taker in the recent successful 2024 T20 World Cup.

To summarise, his ability to bowl under pressure makes him an essential player for Punjab, putting tremendous pressure on any batsman with the new ball and simultaneously in the death overs.

Yuzvendra Chahal- INR 18 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Yuzvendra Chahal, IPL's prominent spinmeister, was signed by Punjab Kings for INR 18 crore. Gujarat, Chennai, and Lucknow first contended for the star legspinner until Punjab emerged successfully against Hyderabad in the intense bidding war. Chahal, who has a fantastic record in numerous sports formats, provides experience and match-winning qualities to Punjab's bowling attack.

This will be Chahal's fourth IPL team, following stints with Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Rajasthan. In his 160-match career, he has taken 205 wickets, making him the tournament's all-time leading wicket-taker, making it the cherry on top for the new Punjab Kings squad. 

The ongoing IPL Auction has already seen many players switching teams. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper batter Jos Buttler and Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who featured for Rajasthan Royals last season will not be part of them in the next season. England's wicketkeeper batter Jos Buttler was brought by Gujarat Titans for the amount of 15.75 Crore. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal was picked by Punjab Kings for 18 CR. Rajasthan Royals posted an emotional post for the Buttler-Chahar duo.

The next time we see you, you both won't be in Pink and that hurts, but this love will remain the same.

Thank you for everything. 💗 pic.twitter.com/Ly8zD6SDfF

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 24, 2024

The IPL 2025 auction has not only made headlines for record-breaking bids but also brought a delightful surprise for fans: Shreyas Iyer and Yuzvendra Chahal are now teammates. As Iyer joins the same squad as Chahal, social media is abuzz with throwbacks to their iconic fun moments, including hilarious Instagram reels, witty banter, and appearances with Chahal.

Auction drama reunites the dynamic duo

Shreyas Iyer’s ₹26.75 crore move in the IPL 2025 mega auction was already the talk of the town, making him the most expensive Indian player before Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore deal. Now, with Iyer and Chahal on the same team, fans are doubly excited. Yuzvendra Chahal, too, fetched a massive ₹18 crore, highlighting his value as a match-winning spinner. Chahal, a seasoned spinner and master of on-field mind games, has been a crowd favorite for his witty off-field personality as well.

Iyer and Chahal’s chemistry goes beyond cricket. Fans fondly remember their fun challenges, such as Chahal’s playful trolling of Iyer’s dance moves and Dhanashree’s involvement in choreographed reels. With their reunion, fans are hoping for more lighthearted moments off the field, adding to the excitement of their on-field performances.

See Also: Pant beats Shreyas to become most expensive player in IPL history

A new chapter 

The duo’s reunion promises not just a powerful combination on the field but also endless entertainment off it. Both players bring unique strengths to the team: Iyer with his explosive batting and leadership, and Chahal with his sharp bowling and game-changing abilities. With their camaraderie already well-established, the IPL 2025 season could see a perfect mix of intense cricket and hilarious antics.

The big question now is: will this dynamic duo create as many unforgettable moments on the field as they did off it? Fans are eagerly waiting to find out.

Shreyas Iyer and Yuzi Chahal in the same team iykyk! 😂😂 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/WoLpX5OdgN

— nishant. (@NishantADHolic_) November 24, 2024

Imagine Shreyas Iyer and Yuzi Chahal in one team. ☠️#ipl2025auction #ipl

pic.twitter.com/bWfFTn9qsM

— Keano Says 🥷 (@KeanoSays) November 24, 2024

Shreyas and chahal in Punjab 🍿🍿🤣🤣#IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/lgxaGngiX2

— Real deal (@hang4you) November 24, 2024

Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, have acted as one of the cornerstones of the Indian Premier League's emergence, thanks to their illustrious campaigns and campaigners who have represented the blue squad. But the same side finished the previous season at the bottom of the points table. Through the forthcoming auctions, many fanatics expect a comeback through a major restructuring. 

With the retention of their central pillars across all the departments (Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma), the management under the coaching guidance of Mahela Jayawardene will be eager to acquire such players that align to their objectives and fill the significant voids. That said, here we look at the top five names that the Mumbai Indians should go all for in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, and the commonality between all the names is that all the suggested players have donned the blue jersey at least once. 

Trent Boult

Trent Boult should be among the first names on the top priority list of Mumbai Indians' mega auction game plan. Roping the Kiwi speedster will bolster the pace of the attack that Jasprit Bumrah has already helmed. Boult's athleticism on-field will also help the side in the most advantageous ways possible.

The 35-year-old left-arm pacer is one of the best bowlers of the contemporary era, known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball. He played well for his last team, the Rajasthan Royals, and was a vital bowler for the past three seasons. In 2024, he took 16 wickets in 16 matches with an economy rate of over eight. 

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal, the star Indian leg-spinner, is the most successful bowler in IPL history. Chahal debuted in the IPL with MI in 2013 but quickly rose to prominence with RCB and RR. Overall, Chahal has become linked with consistency. Despite amassing mountains of wickets for RR over the previous three IPL seasons, the Sanju Samson-led club did not keep Chahal, and he will now be available in mega auctions, where MI might target him.

Overall, Chahal has become linked with consistency. MI has missed the presence of a great spinner over the previous three seasons, and Chahal can replace that need. In 2024, he has 18 wickets from 15 matches.  

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler, the prominent English wicketkeeper batter, has already been a "hot topic" in the auction pool after being left off the Rajasthan Royals' retention list. Every club that participates is eager to have Buttler on their roster.

Buttler spent many seasons with the Mumbai-based squad under Rohit Sharma's supervision after making his IPL debut with MI in 2016. However, his long-term contributions to the inaugural winners have been immense, and his former team will dearly miss him in future editions. In just 11 matches, he has 359 runs and two three-digit mark numbers.  

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Chennai Super Kings should target for in the upcoming mega auction

Nehal Wadhera

Nehal Wadhera appears to be one of the candidates whose side may exercise their only RTM (Right-to-Match) in the next auction. However, it is strongly recommended that the team go all-in for him, as this would assist them in aligning with their future chances.

The southpaw is adept at countering both spin and speed. He has a decent attitude and can be a floater anywhere in the lineup. The 24-year-old joined the organisation in 2023 and was impressed with his bat, strengthening the middle order. In 2024, he has played six games and scored 109 runs, which may appear modest but has a lot of potential beneath. 

Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal, a young Indian bowler who can take wickets at any point of the game, is usually a popular pick at the IPL mega auction. Madhwal has amazed everyone throughout his two seasons in Mumbai. He joined the franchise in 2023 and had an immediate effect.

In his first-ever IPL edition, he grabbed 14 wickets in eight games, the best of which was 5/5. His rapid pace may give some batters nightmares during vital game moments. As a result, Madhwal might be one of the players the Mumbai Indians use their RTM on in the blockbuster action, but they still should go for him. In his 2024 tenure, he got five wickets in five games. 

The 34-year-old Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has sent a clear message to Indian selectors for the red-ball format.

Yuzvendra Chahal is one of the important spinners for India in white-ball cricket. After making his international cricket debut in 2016, he has played 72 ODIs and 80 T20Is, where he has picked up 121 and 96 wickets, respectively. He is the leading T20I wicket-taker for India. 

Chahal hasn’t played any international matches for India this year. Although he was selected in the Indian squad for the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and United States, he didn’t get a chance in any playing XIs. Chahal’s last international match for team India was in August 2023 during the Lauderhill T20I against West Indies. 

Although Chahal hasn’t made his Test debut yet, he is currently in good form in red-ball cricket. Recently, Chahal served for the English County team Northamptonshire. He played one List A and four first-class cricket matches for Northamptonshire, where the leg-spinner picked up five and 19 wickets, respectively. 

SEE ALSO: Musheer Khan likely to be out of Irani Cup after road accident in UP

I wanted to show how good I am: Yuzvendra Chahal

As India will tour England for a five-match Test series in the 2025 summer, confident Chahal is ready for this challenge. 

Chahal told the Times of India, "County cricket is tough cricket. It gave me an opportunity to showcase my skills against a very good standard of cricket. With India touring England next year, I wanted to show how good I am." 

Chahal produced his best bowling figures in first-class cricket career

Chahal started the short journey for Northamptonshire this season with a List A game against Kent, where the Indian leg-spinner claimed a five-wicket haul (5/14). Although he took only one wicket in the next two first-class matches, Chahal stormed in the next two first-class fixtures. 

Against Derbyshire, Chahal produced his best bowling figures in a first-class match by picking up nine wickets for 99 runs (5/45 and 4/54), including one fifer. Northamptonshire won that match, which was their first win in the County Championship Division Two 2024. 

Later, against Leicestershire, Chahal once again took nine wickets (4/82 and 5/134), including another fifer. Northamptonshire won that match too. 

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is in great form with the red ball in English County cricket as he recorded another fifer in the second consecutive first-class match. 

Currently, Yuzvendra Chahal’s Northamptonshire are busy playing against Leicestershire in the County Championship Division Two. After picking up four wickets in the first innings of the match, Chahal took five more wickets in the next innings. 

SEE ALSO: Ravichandran Ashwin reaches new height with Chennai Test century

Yuzvendra Chahal secured another fifer; and nine wickets in the match

Visitors Leicestershire started their second innings by trailing 180 runs. Once again, the Indian leg-spinner Chahal dominated with the ball as he completed that innings with the bowling figures of 43-5-134-5. As a result, Leicestershire were all out for 316 runs and set a 137-run target for Northamptonshire. 

In their second innings, Leicestershire were once struggling at 92/7, where Chahal bagged four wickets. However, desperate Scott Currie then produced two 100+ partnerships for the next wickets to disturb the hosts. After his 101-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tom Scriven, Currie also set up another 110-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Sam Wood.

While Currie was dominating with 120 runs, Chahal dismissed him to complete his fifer. Scriven scored 48 runs, and Wood was not out on 57 runs. 

The latest fifer was Chahal’s fourth fifer in his first-class career. He ended the match against Leicestershire with nine wickets for 216 runs.

Chahal recorded the best bowling figures in a match in last game

During Northamptonshire’s previous match against Derbyshire, Chahal recorded his first nine-wicket haul in a first-class match as he finished that game with nine wickets for 99 runs. After recording five for 45 runs, Chahal picked up another four wickets in the fourth innings after conceding 54 runs. His bowling performance played a crucial role in his team’s victory by 133 runs. It was Northamptonshire’s first win in the ongoing County Championship Division Two season. 

As Chahal is in great form, we won’t be surprised if the 34-year-old Indian leg-spinner makes his Test debut soon.

The 34-year-old Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is in great form in the English county cricket. The leg-spinner secured his third successive four or more wickets for Northamptonshire in the match against Leicestershire. 

On Tuesday (September 17), Northamptonshire started their last home fixture in the ongoing English County Championship Division Two against Leicestershire. 

SEE ALSO: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: ICC announces record prize money

Yuzvendra Chahal took four wickets

After Leicestershire chose to bat first, they were bowled out for 203 runs, where Northamptonshire’s leggie Yuzvendra Chahal picked up four wickets. Chahal finished the innings with the bowling figures 23-6-82-4. Chahal took the wickets of Ian Holland (12), Rehan Ahmed (30), Ben Cox (25), and Scott Curie (0).

Chahal bowled Holland and Cox, while Rehan was caught out, and Curie was trapped for a lbw. 

While Chahal was the best bowler for his team, off-spinner Rob Keogh also provided solid support with his three wickets (3/20). Meanwhile, the pacers Jack White (2/16) and Ben Sanderson (1/32) also picked up wickets in that innings.

Among Leicestershire batters, opener Sol Budinger (56) scored a half-century, while captain Lewis Hill (32), Rehan Ahmed (30), Ben Cox (25), and Liam Trevaskis (25*) provided some battles. 

Yuzvendra Chahal is in great form

Chahal is currently in great form with the ball. He started the ongoing English domestic cricket campaign for Northamptonshire with a fifer in a List A match (5/14).

In their previous County Championship match against Derbyshire, Chahal played a key role in Northamptonshire’s first win this season in the County Championship Division Two. After claiming his third first-class fifer (5/45), Chahal picked up another four wickets in the fourth innings of the match (4/54). His nine wickets for 99 runs in the previous game were his best bowling figures record in a first-class match.

As Chahal is in great form, it can help him to earn a call-up in the national team for Test cricket. India’s leading T20I wicket-taker (96 wickets in 80 T20Is), Chahal, who has also picked up 121 wickets in 72 ODIs, is still waiting for his Test debut.  

The 34-year-old Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal produced his best bowling figures in a first-class match during his team Northamptonshire’s 133-run win against Derbyshire in the English County Championship Division Two 2024. 

Yuzvendra Chahal already created a headline in India with his fifer during Derbyshire’s first innings. Later, Chahal bagged another four wickets in the fourth innings of the match on rain-curtailed Wednesday.

Watch: Chahal shines with 5-wicket haul for Northamptonshire in County Championship

Yuzvendra Chahal recorded 4/54 during the fourth innings

With the bat, Chahal was unbeaten for no score in both innings of the match. In the fourth innings of the match, Chahal shone with the bowling figures of 18-3-54-4. He and his off-spin bowling partner Rob Keogh (15-1-44-5) destroyed the batting line-up in the final innings of the match. 

While the last-placed team in the points table Derbyshire (107 points in 12 matches) had the fourth innings target of 266 runs, they were bundled out for only 132 runs. Only the unbeaten batter Wayne Madsen (48) reached the 20-run mark in that innings. 

Seventh-placed Northamptonshire (114 points in 12 matches), who are just above the last-placed Derbyshire in the points table, recorded their first win of this County Championship season with this 133-run win.  

Yuzvendra Chahal closely missed out his 1st first-class 10-wicket haul

After his fifer in Derbyshire’s first innings of the match, where he ended with the bowling figures of 16.3-2-45-5, the leg-spinner Chahal ended the fourth innings with 18-3-54-4. He ended the game with the bowling figures of 34.3-5-99-9. It was his best bowling figures in a first-class match. His previous best bowling figures in a first-class match was 8/112. 

SEE ALSO: Yuzvendra Chahal starts English domestic season with a fifer 

Chahal has taken 106 wickets in his 38 first-class matches. During Derbyshire’s first innings, Chahal completed his 100 first-class wickets with his third wicket of that innings. 

Chahal hasn’t played a match for the Indian national cricket team this year. Although the leg-spinner was selected for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and United States, he wasn’t selected in any playing XIs.  

After his 72 ODIs and 80 T20Is, Chahal has taken 121 and 96 wickets, respectively. The leading IPL wicket-taker is also holding the record for most T20I wickets for India.  

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal continued to impress in the United Kingdom with a standout performance for Northamptonshire. In the ongoing County Championship season, Chahal claimed his first five-wicket haul, playing a pivotal role in his team’s match against Derbyshire at the County Ground in Northampton. This achievement marks Chahal’s third five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, underscoring his growing prowess with the red ball in England.

Chahal’s match-winning performance

Yuzvendra Chahal finished with remarkable figures of 5 for 45, delivering a crucial spell of bowling that helped Northamptonshire secure a 54-run lead in the first innings. Chahal received significant support from off-spinner Rob Keogh, as the duo dismantled Derbyshire’s batting lineup. At one point, Derbyshire seemed in control at 150 for 4 on Day 2, but they collapsed dramatically, losing their last six wickets for just 15 runs. Chahal’s spell was instrumental in this turnaround, as he claimed the vital wicket of Wayne Madsen, who was well set at 47, by spinning the ball sharply to hit the top of the off-stump twice.

61 | Lunch. 🍽️

Seven wickets in the session and some excellent spells from Chahal and Keogh. 🌀

We're just going to watch this on repeat during the interval. 🔁

Derbyshire 165/8. pic.twitter.com/G4Y1VUHVjL

— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) September 10, 2024

See Also: Why Muralitharan believes his 800 Test wickets record unbreakable

A valuable addition to Northamptonshire

Chahal’s performance has been a major boost for Northamptonshire during the English summer. His five-wicket haul in the County Championship follows a similar feat in the One-Day Cup match he played against his former club, Kent, on August 14. Despite a modest start with just one wicket in his first two County Championship Division Two matches, Chahal is now poised to build on this impressive performance. He has signed on to play a total of five first-class matches this season for Northamptonshire, and his recent success indicates a promising continuation of his impactful stint in English cricket.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a stage where cricketing talents shine, and veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has left an indelible mark on Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) journey. With his recent milestone as RR’s highest wicket-taker, Chahal’s impact and journey in the IPL warrant a closer look.

Breaking Records

Chahal’s ascent to the top of RR’s wicket-taking charts came during the Eliminator match of IPL 2024 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad. This milestone underscores his prowess and reflects his invaluable contributions to RR’s success.

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Chahal solidified his position as a stalwart in RR’s bowling arsenal by surpassing the previous record-holder, Siddharth Trivedi. Trivedi, a former pacer for RR, held the record with 65 IPL wickets from 76 matches. Chahal’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his IPL journey.

Most wickets for RR in the IPL
66 – Yuzvendra Chahal (SR: 15.6)
65 – Siddharth Trivedi (SR: 23.1)
61 – Shane Watson (SR: 22.3)
57 – Shane Warne (SR: 20.9)
47 – James Faulkner (SR: 19.2)

Chahal’s IPL Journey with Rajasthan Royals

Chahal’s association with RR commenced during the IPL 2022 mega auction when the franchise acquired him. Since then, he has been instrumental in shaping RR’s bowling dynamics.

Chahal’s impact was immediate. In his debut season for RR, he clinched the Purple Cap, amassing 27 wickets at an impressive average of 19.51. His consistent performances were pivotal in RR’s journey to the final, where they finished as runners-up.

In subsequent seasons, Chahal continued to dominate with his spin wizardry. His ability to pick crucial wickets and maintain an economical bowling rate has made him a linchpin in RR’s bowling lineup.

The ongoing IPL season has further showcased Chahal’s prowess on the field. As RR’s leading wicket-taker, he has scalped 18 wickets across 15 matches, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s premier spinners.

Record-Breaking Feats

Chahal’s achievements extend beyond RR’s record books. Earlier this season, he surpassed legendary Shane Warne to become RR’s most successful spinner in IPL history. Additionally, he became the first bowler to reach 200 IPL wickets, solidifying his place among the league’s elite.

Chahal’s Journey Across Teams

Chahal’s journey in the IPL has seen him represent multiple franchises, including Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), before finding his home at RR.

During his tenure with RCB, Chahal emerged as a pivotal figure in their bowling lineup, amassing over 100 wickets and establishing himself as the franchise’s leading wicket-taker.