The IPL auction witnessed an electrifying moment when Rishabh Pant shattered records, becoming the most expensive player in IPL history with a Rs 27 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The bidding war saw fierce competition between LSG and Delhi Capitals (DC). DC exercised their Right to Match (RTM) at Rs 20.75 crore, but LSG pushed ahead with a massive Rs 27 crore bid, securing the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman.
The auction hall was abuzz with tension and excitement, as the final bid exceeded Shreyas Iyer’s earlier record of Rs 26.75 crore, set just hours before by Punjab Kings. LSG mentor Zaheer Khan appeared visibly nervous, while owner Sanjeev Goenka confidently sealed the historic deal.
Rishabh Pant’s IPL Journey and Impact
Pant, who started his IPL career in 2016 with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), has been a standout performer over the years. Elevated to captaincy in 2021, he has scored 3,284 runs in 111 matches, boasting a phenomenal strike rate of 148.93.
Despite his IPL dominance, Pant’s T20I performances for India have been more subdued, amassing 1,209 runs in 66 innings at a strike rate of 127.26. DC’s decision not to retain him ahead of the auction paved the way for LSG’s record-breaking bid, signaling a new chapter in Pant’s IPL career. Virat Kohli’s tweet mistaken for ‘divorce announcement’ from Anushka Sharma, fans compare to AR Rahman’s separation post
A Historic Milestone in IPL Auctions
Pant’s Rs 27 crore deal with LSG is a landmark moment in IPL history. It reflects the franchise’s belief in his match-winning capabilities and the growing financial stakes in the league. As Pant joins LSG, fans eagerly anticipate his contribution in the upcoming season. This milestone sets the tone for an exciting IPL, with Pant aiming to justify the record investment and further cement his legacy in cricket’s most lucrative league.
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗵 🔝
Snippets of how that Historic bidding process panned out for Rishabh Pant 🎥 🔽 #TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL | @RishabhPant17 | @LucknowIPL | #LSG pic.twitter.com/grfmkuCWLD
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) November 24, 2024