Sat Nov 23 12:36:52 UTC 2024: ## IPL 2025 Mock Auction Sees Rishabh Pant Fetch Record-Breaking Price

**Mumbai, India** – A mock auction for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, conducted by Star Sports and JioCinema, saw Rishabh Pant command a staggering INR 33 crore, setting a new benchmark. The Punjab Kings (PBKS), represented by Eoin Morgan, secured the star wicket-keeper batsman despite acknowledging the price might be inflated.

Pant’s departure from the Delhi Capitals (DC) before the auction, which he clarified was not due to financial reasons, did little to dampen the bidding frenzy. Morgan justified the hefty investment, praising Pant’s explosive batting, captaincy potential, and long-term value, comparing him to a young MS Dhoni. PBKS, possessing the largest auction purse (INR 110.5 crore), are clearly betting big on Pant’s future.

Another high-profile player, KL Rahul, fetched INR 29.5 crore, going to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who are represented by Mike Hesson, their former head coach. Hesson indicated that securing Rahul, despite the high price, was a strategic move to fill the gap left by the departure of DK and provide long-term stability following Virat Kohli’s era. He admitted a higher bid was considered for Pant, but the high price for Rahul was justified due to his experience and local talent.

Other notable purchases in the mock auction include Shreyas Iyer, bought back by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 21 crore; Mitchell Starc (INR 18 crore) by Mumbai Indians; Arshdeep Singh (INR 16.5 crore) by Punjab Kings; Yuzvendra Chahal (INR 15 crore) by Sunrisers Hyderabad; and Ishan Kishan (INR 15.5 crore) by Delhi Capitals.

While several commentators acknowledged that prices in the mock auction were likely inflated, the exercise provided valuable insight into potential bidding strategies and the immense value placed on top players like Pant and Rahul ahead of the actual IPL 2025 mega auction.

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