Most Expensive Player in IPL History: Rishabh Pant Breaks All Previous Records

Who is the most expensive player in IPL history

Rishabh Pant holds the title of the most expensive player in IPL history. During the 2025 IPL auction, he was picked for ₹27 crores (approximately $3.2 million) by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record shattering Mitchell Starc's previous record of ₹24.75 crore earned in 2024.

Pant, an aggressive wicketkeeper-batter with a reputation for his aggressive batting and leadership skills, witnessed fierce bidding due to his match-winning potential and injury return. His signing was a record in IPL auctions, indicating the premium being put on Indian stars.

Most Expensive Player in IPL History List

The auction culture of the IPL has seen teams spending big time on marquee players with the ability to make a difference. Here's a look at the top 10 costliest recruitments in history of the league (figures in INR):

These are the sort of signings that reflect the IPL's emphasis on all-rounders, power-hitters, and pressure-players who are good with the ball.

Most Expensive Player in IPL 2025

1.Rishabh Pant (LSG) - $3.21 million

The fireworks Indian wicketkeeper-batter mounted a high-profile comeback, with LSG shelling out on his aggressive batting and captaincy.

2.Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) - $3.18 million

PBKS acquired the classy middle-order anchor, valuing his ability to steady the innings and take the game on in pressure moments.

3.Venkatesh Iyer (KKR) - $2.83 million

KKR held on to the tall all-rounder for his double threat as a powerplay stroke-player and good medium-pace bowler.

4.Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) - $2.14 million

The left-arm pacer's death-bowling skills witnessed him inking a premium contract to captain PBKS's pace attack.

5.Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) - $2.14 million

The experienced leg-spinner inked for PBKS to provide guile and experience to their spin attack.

6.Jos Buttler (GT) - $1.88 million

GT spent on the English opener's T20 experience, banking on his explosive starts and match-winning ability.

7.KL Rahul (DC) - $1.67 million

DC signed the multi-format batter for his consistency as an opener and versatility across formats.

8.Jofra Archer (RR) - $1.49 million

RR gambled on the injury-prone but fearsome pace of Archer, hoping to revive his raw pace and bounce.

9.Trent Boult (MI) - $1.49 million

MI signed the New Zealand swing master for his early impact and run-restricting capability in powerplays.

10.Josh Hazlewood (RCB) - $1.49 million

RCB added the pinpoint accuracy and economy of the Australian seamer to fortify their pace battery.