Top India batter Shreyas Iyer was signed by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a staggering Rs267.5 million. The bidding started with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Rs20 million, followed by Punjab Kings at Rs22 million. KKR dropped out, and Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the fray, raising the bid to Rs250 million. The two franchises continued to compete, but ultimately, Punjab Kings secured Iyer, marking a significant moment in the tournament's history.

Iyer has showcased his skills across all formats for India, particularly in ODIs where he averages 47 with five centuries and 18 fifties in 57 matches. In 51 T20Is, he has accumulated 1,104 runs at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of over 136, with eight half-centuries and a top score of 74. During his tenure with Delhi Capitals (2015-21), he earned a reputation as a dynamic leader, guiding DC to the finals in 2021. After joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022, Iyer led the team to its third IPL title, the first in a decade.

In his IPL career, Iyer has amassed 2,375 runs at an average of 31.67, with a strike rate of 123.96 and 16 half-centuries. His best score is 96. Last season for KKR, he scored 351 runs in 15 matches at an average of 39 and a strike rate of over 146, including two half-centuries.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings used the Right to Match (RTM) to re-sign Arshdeep Singh for Rs180 million. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) initially bought Arshdeep for Rs157.5 million, but Punjab Kings exercised their RTM option, matching the price. Arshdeep, a left-arm pacer, has been a standout performer for India in 59 T20Is, taking 92 wickets at an average of 18.47. He was a key player in India's T20 World Cup victory this year, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in eight matches.

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada was acquired by Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs107.5 million. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) initiated the bidding, and Mumbai Indians (MI) also joined the competition. Ultimately, Rabada joined GT, a one-time IPL champion. Rabada is renowned globally, having taken 71 wickets in 65 T20Is and 13 wickets in nine matches during the T20 World Cup finals this year.

English wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler was sold to Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs157.5 million. Rajasthan Royals (RR) started the bidding, and other franchises like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) also participated. However, GT secured Buttler with the highest bid. Buttler is celebrated for his white-ball prowess, having scored 11,929 runs in 427 T20s, including eight centuries and 83 fifties. He was instrumental in Rajasthan Royals' (RR) IPL 2022 campaign, scoring 3,055 runs at an average of 41.84 and a strike rate of 147.79.

Delhi Capitals (DC) signed Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for Rs117.5 million. Mumbai Indians (MI) initiated the bidding, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also joined the contest. DC secured Starc with the highest bid. Starc, a multi-time world champion, is considered one of the best pacers, having taken 681 wickets in 281 matches. In 65 T20Is, he has taken 79 wickets at an average of 23.81.

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