With less than a week to go for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, excitement is building up for the event scheduled in Jeddah on November 24 and 25. Star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is expected to fetch ₹25-28 crore in the auction, according to a bold claim by former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa.
Pant Among the Top Earners
After being released by Delhi Capitals, Pant has become one of the most high-profile Indian players available in the auction. His inclusion has sparked interest from franchises like Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are expected to bid aggressively for him.
Uthappa’s Big Prediction
Speaking on JioCinema, Uthappa said, “I think Rishabh Pant will be bought for around ₹25-28 crore. He is certain to attract a massive bid and might become the highest-paid player in this auction. It will be interesting to see a team buy him for such a price. Punjab Kings will likely go for him, but RCB might also target him as a leader and wicketkeeper-batsman.”
Aakash Chopra Weighs In
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra shared a similar opinion. He stated, “I believe Rishabh Pant will become the most expensive player in IPL history. If Punjab Kings see a good fit with Pant, they will go all out to buy him. If not, RCB seems like a strong contender for him. Other teams, too, will likely join the bidding war for Pant. Indian players will dominate this mega auction.”
Shreyas Iyer and Others
Uthappa also predicted that Delhi Capitals would make a serious effort to bring back Shreyas Iyer, who was part of the franchise from 2015 to 2021. He added, “DC will push hard for Shreyas Iyer, and he should go for ₹15-20 crore. Faf du Plessis may go above ₹10 crore. Young Indian players like Nehal Wadhera and Ashutosh Sharma are also crucial for any team’s success and should fetch over ₹8 crore each.”
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction promises fierce bidding wars, especially for Indian players, with Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer expected to be the center of attention.