Mon Nov 25 01:13:48 UTC 2024: ## Iyer Shatters IPL Auction Record, Fetching KKR ₹23.75 Crore

**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:** The IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah witnessed a record-breaking moment as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured the services of Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for a staggering ₹23.75 crore. The intense bidding war saw KKR fend off stiff competition from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ultimately securing Iyer’s return after a fierce battle that pushed the price far beyond expectations. Iyer, whose base price was ₹2 crore, had a stellar previous season with KKR, showcasing his all-around abilities with both bat and ball.

The auction also saw Australia’s Marcus Stoinis snapped up by Punjab Kings for ₹11 crore, following a tense bidding duel with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings. Stoinis’s consistent performance and all-round capabilities made him a highly sought-after player.

Iyer’s performance in the previous season, including a prolific 370 runs in just 10 matches, played a significant role in driving up his price. His impressive IPL career statistics (1,326 runs in 50 matches, with a century and 11 half-centuries) further solidified his value as a match-winner. His explosive batting style, with 121 fours and 61 sixes, made him a highly coveted asset.

Stoinis’s impressive IPL career record, encompassing 1,866 runs in 96 matches and a century, also contributed to his high price tag. His consistent performance with both bat and ball cemented his status as a reliable all-rounder. The Lucknow Super Giants surprisingly declined to use their Right to Match (RTM) card for Stoinis, paving the way for his move to Punjab Kings. The auction concluded with several other notable acquisitions, setting the stage for an exciting IPL 2025 season.

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