Photo by: Sportzpics for BCCI

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made history by becoming the most expensive player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a staggering nearly 270,000,000 rupees during the ongoing IPL mega auction in Jeddah on Sunday. This acquisition surpassed compatriot Shreyas Iyer, who had just set the previous record by being bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for 267,500,000 rupees. Iyer had in turn outbid Australia's Mitchell Starc, who returned to the IPL after years with a record-breaking bid of 247,500,000 rupees.

Initially, a fierce bidding war erupted between LSG and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with the latter eventually conceding. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) then entered the fray, aiming to strengthen their batting lineup, while Delhi Capitals (DC) attempted to use the 'Right To Match' card. However, neither could match the substantial sum LSG offered for Pant, securing him at a price beyond Iyer's record.

This move now provides LSG with a top-order batter, wicketkeeper, and a potential captain in Pant. Known for his dynamic presence on the field, Pant is a versatile player for India across all formats. While his T20 International record shows 1,209 runs in 76 matches at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of nearly 128, his overall T20 career is more impressive, with 5,022 runs in 202 matches at an average of 31.78 and a strike rate exceeding 145, including two centuries and 25 fifties.

Pant has been a key player for Delhi Capitals (DC) since 2016, accumulating 3,284 runs in 110 matches at an average of 35.31, with one century and 18 fifties. He was appointed captain in 2021, leading the team to the playoffs that season. The IPL 2025 mega auction, spanning from Sunday to Monday, promises to be one of the most exciting events in this year's cricketing calendar, with numerous international stars participating, records anticipated to be broken, and potential unexpected transfers. A total of 574 players have been shortlisted from an initial pool of 1,574, including 208 overseas players, 12 uncapped overseas talents, and 318 uncapped Indian players.

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