NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings (PBKS) made a significant move right at the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction by using their Right to Match (RTM) card to secure Arshdeep Singh for Rs 18 crore.
This strategic use of the RTM card ensured that PBKS retained one of their most reliable players, showcasing the impact of the newly modified RTM rules.
How does RTM work in IPL 2025 Auction?
The RTM card, reintroduced for the 2025 season, operates with a fresh twist.Previously, teams could simply match the highest bid to retain their player.
However, this year, if a team exercises RTM, the bidding team is allowed to raise their offer, creating a compelling back-and-forth dynamic. This change was evident in the intense bidding war for Arshdeep.
The auction began with Punjab’s star pacer, Arshdeep Singh, being the first player under the hammer. Starting from a base price of Rs 2 crore, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) kicked off the bidding.
The price quickly escalated as Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) joined the fray, each determined to secure the left-arm pacer.
The competition reached a fever pitch when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the race, eventually outbidding everyone with a staggering offer of Rs 15.75 crore.
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Just as SRH looked set to claim Arshdeep, PBKS decided to play their RTM card. SRH countered with an increased bid of Rs 18 crore, pushing PBKS to make a critical decision. After some deliberation, PBKS executed their RTM card, matching the Rs 18 crore bid and reclaiming their prized bowler.
This strategic move not only secured Arshdeep Singh’s services but also demonstrated Punjab’s commitment to retaining key players from their core squad.
The high-stakes drama set the tone for the auction and underscored the importance of the reintroduced RTM card in shaping IPL 2025 rosters.