IPL 2025 Auction: Top 5 most expensive bowlers sold

The IPL 2025 Auction, held in Jeddah, was a thrilling two-day event where franchises competed fiercely to sign top cricketing talents. Rishabh Pant emerged as the highlight of the auction, fetching a record INR 27 crore from Lucknow Super Giants, making him the highest-paid player. Following closely was Shreyas Iyer, who was secured by Punjab Kings for INR 26.75 crore.

The event was marked by intense bidding, with 577 players up for grabs, and 182 successfully securing spots in the league. Notable signings included Jos Buttler, who went to Gujarat Titans for INR 15.75 crore, and Jitesh Sharma, whose value escalated from INR 1 crore to 11 crore. The auction also highlighted teams’ strategic focus on bolstering their bowling squads after a high-scoring 2024 season.

Here are the five bowlers who got big bids in the IPL 2025 Auction:

5. Jofra Archer (INR 12.50 crore, Rajasthan Royals):

England’s Jofra Archer returned to Rajasthan Royals for INR 12.50 crore after a bidding competition with Mumbai Indians. His initial tenure with the Royals, from 2018 to 2020, included winning the Most Valuable Player award in 2020 for his 20 wickets and 113 runs. After a period with MI and overcoming injuries, Archer’s return sparked excitement, and he is expected to lead the Royals’ bowling lineup.

4. Josh Hazlewood (INR 12.50 crore, Royal Challengers Bengaluru):

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was re-signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 12.5 crore. After a stint with Chennai Super Kings in 2021 where he helped secure a championship, RCB brought him back, recognising his potential. Despite missing the 2024 season and playing limited matches in 2023 due to an injury, Hazlewood will spearhead RCB’s bowling with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

3. Trent Boult (INR 12.50 crore, Mumbai Indians):

Trent Boult returned to Mumbai Indians with a bid of INR 12.50 crore. His earlier association with MI in 2020 contributed significantly to their championship win. Boult, known for his sharp left-arm pace, had a successful period with Rajasthan Royals, taking 45 wickets in 42 matches. His return strengthens MI’s formidable pace attack. The five-time champions have also got the service of Deepak Chahar making one of the best pace attacks in the league.

2. Arshdeep Singh (INR 18 crore, Punjab Kings):

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was retained by Punjab Kings for INR 18 crore after Sunrisers Hyderabad’s initial bid. Known for his crucial wicket-taking abilities, Singh has previously collected 76 wickets in 65 IPL games and was a standout performer for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The young speedster will be given the responsibility of picking wickets for the side at crucial times.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal (INR 18 crore, Punjab Kings):

Yuzvendra Chahal set a record for the highest-ever bid for a spinner at INR 18 crore at IPL 2025 Auction, secured by Punjab Kings. Chahal, the IPL’s top wicket-taker, has taken 205 wickets in 160 matches.

After being released by Rajasthan Royals, Chahal triggered a bidding war that saw him rise from a base price of INR 2 crore to his record-breaking final price, seeing a 177% increase. This surpasses the previous highest spinner auction price of INR 10.75 crore for Wanindu Hasaranga in 2022. Punjab Kings, who entered the auction with the highest purse of INR 110.50 crore, spent 56.78% of their budget on three marquee players, with Chahal being a key addition to address their spin bowling requirements.