NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant created history by becoming the most expensive player in IPL history when Lucknow Super Giants splashed a massive Rs 27 crore to secure the dynamic India keeper-batter at the tournament’s mega auction in Jeddah on Sunday.
LSG’s expenditure on Pant meant that Shreyas Iyer‘s distinction as the most expensive player in the tournament’s history was short-lived, as Punjab Kings had earlier secured the Indian batter’s services for Rs 26.75 crore.
How the bidding drama unfolded
Pant was the final player in the first set of marquee names, and his announcement sparked loud cheers in the auction hall. LSG made the opening bid for Pant, but Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) quickly joined the fray. A fierce bidding war ensued, with rapid paddle-raising at both the RCB and LSG tables.
The bidding escalated rapidly, soaring past Rs 5 crore in no time and quickly reaching Rs 10 crore. LSG raised the bid to Rs 10.25 crore, but RCB promptly countered with Rs 10.50 crore, keeping the battle intense.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the fray, challenging LSG for Pant and intensifying the bidding war. SRH pushed the bid to Rs 17 crore, but LSG quickly countered with Rs 17.25 crore.
The battle raged on in Jeddah, with the bids climbing rapidly. In the blink of an eye, the price hit Rs 20 crore, with SRH taking the lead.
Daniel Vettori consulted with Kavya Maran as SRH continued their fierce bidding for Pant, with LSG matching them every step of the way. LSG momentarily clinched Pant at Rs 20.75 crore, but Delhi Capitals (DC) considered exercising their Right to Match (RTM).
LSG, undeterred, raised the stakes to Rs 27 crore, forcing DC to back out. Owner Sanjiv Goenka pumped his fist in triumph, elated as Pant was officially sold to LSG for a record Rs 27 crore.