Sun Nov 24 17:42:27 UTC 2024: **Kolkata Knight Riders Splurge ₹23.75 Crore on Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025 Mega Auction**

MUMBAI, INDIA – The IPL 2025 mega auction saw a flurry of high-profile signings, with several players fetching record-breaking prices. Among the most surprising acquisitions was all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who was snapped up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering ₹23.75 crore. Iyer, previously released by KKR before the auction, now returns to the franchise at a significantly higher price tag.

While Iyer’s purchase dominated headlines, other players saw mixed fortunes. New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra went to Chennai Super Kings for ₹4 crore, while Aiden Markram joined Lucknow Super Giants at his base price of ₹2 crore. Rahul Tripathi also fetched a relatively modest price of ₹3.40 crore from Chennai Super Kings.

However, the auction’s biggest headlines were written by the astronomical bids for several top players. Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history, acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore. Shreyas Iyer followed closely behind, going to Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore. Arshdeep Singh (₹18 crore, retained by Punjab Kings via Right to Match), Yuzvendra Chahal (₹18 crore, Punjab Kings), and Jos Buttler (₹15.75 crore, Gujarat Titans) also commanded significant sums, with the total expenditure on these five players exceeding ₹100 crore. The auction highlights the increasing financial clout in the IPL and the intense competition among franchises to secure the league’s top talent.

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