Entertainment

IPL 2025: The 10 Most Expensive Players and What to Expect From Them

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction witnessed some record-breaking bids, with franchises splurging crores on marquee players. The highest-paid IPL player in 2025, Rishabh Pant, was bought for a staggering ₹27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Other top earners include Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh, reflecting a growing emphasis on dynamic batters and lethal bowlers. This article highlights the 10 most expensive players in IPL 2025, analyzing their past performances, current form, and what fans can expect this season.

1. Rishabh Pant (LSG) – ₹27 crore

Most expensive player in IPL 2025
After a long injury layoff following a car accident in 2022, Rishabh Pant made a remarkable comeback, regaining full fitness. His aggressive batting and leadership skills attracted intense bidding, with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) securing him for ₹27 crore, making him the highest-paid IPL player ever. As a proven match-winner, expectations are high for Pant to deliver explosive innings and guide LSG to their maiden title.

2. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – ₹26.75 crore

Highest-paid captain contender
Shreyas Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title, was snapped up by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹26.75 crore. His ability to stabilize innings and play under pressure makes him a crucial asset. Punjab Kings, known for struggling in leadership, will expect Iyer to bring his captaincy experience and lead from the front.

3. Venkatesh Iyer (KKR) – ₹23.75 crore

A multi-dimensional asset
All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer returns to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with a whopping ₹23.75 crore price tag. His versatility in the middle order, ability to accelerate scoring, and occasional seam bowling make him invaluable. Having played key roles in previous seasons, KKR will rely on him to replicate past performances and maintain their championship-winning momentum.

4. Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) – ₹18 crore

India’s emerging pace spearhead
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh fetched ₹18 crore from Punjab Kings, reflecting his growing stature in Indian cricket. Known for his lethal yorkers and calmness in death overs, Arshdeep is set to be PBKS’ bowling spearhead. The franchise will hope he delivers breakthroughs in crucial moments.

5. Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) – ₹18 crore

Spin wizard’s next challenge
Punjab Kings continued their spending spree by acquiring Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore. As one of India’s leading leg-spinners, Chahal’s experience and wicket-taking ability will be vital. PBKS will expect him to dominate middle overs and provide breakthroughs in high-pressure games.

6. Jos Buttler (GT) – ₹15.75 crore

The most expensive overseas player
England’s Jos Buttler was the highest-paid overseas player, joining Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹15.75 crore. A destructive opener with a history of big knocks, Buttler’s ability to anchor and accelerate innings will be crucial for GT as they aim to regain their IPL crown.

7. KL Rahul (DC) – ₹14 crore

Delhi’s new batting pillar
KL Rahul, picked by Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹14 crore, is expected to add consistency to their top order. Despite injuries in recent seasons, Rahul’s class and adaptability remain undeniable. DC will bank on him for stability and explosive finishes.

8. Trent Boult (MI) – ₹12.50 crore

Mumbai’s bowling powerhouse
New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) for ₹12.50 crore, will lead their pace attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways in powerplays makes him a key asset. MI will expect him to replicate his past successes and provide crucial early breakthroughs.

9. Jofra Archer (RR) – ₹12.50 crore

Return of the speedster
After battling injuries, England’s Jofra Archer is back in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals (RR) for ₹12.50 crore. His raw pace and ability to bowl at the death will be critical. RR will hope he stays injury-free and delivers match-winning performances.

10. Josh Hazlewood (RCB) – ₹12.50 crore

Aussie pacer joins Bangalore
Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia’s most reliable fast bowlers, was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹12.50 crore. Known for his accuracy and bounce, Hazlewood will be crucial for RCB’s bowling attack, especially on batting-friendly pitches.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 auction saw teams making strategic investments in proven match-winners and future stars. Rishabh Pant, the most expensive Indian player in IPL history, will be under immense pressure to justify his price tag, while other top earners like Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer will be expected to step up as game-changers. With a mix of young talents and experienced veterans, this IPL season promises high-octane action.

March 7, 2025

cricket, highest bid in IPL, highest paid IPL player, IPL 2025, most expensive player in IPL

Movies to Watch This August 2025

August 2025 brings a power-packed lineup of films from explosive action thrillers to heartwarming romances and long-awaited sequels. With big names, bigger budgets, and stories that promise to entertain, here’s your guide to what’s hitting the screens this month. Dhadak 2 Cast: Tripti Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi Director: Shazia Iqbal A socially charged romance and spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this remake of Tamil cult classic Pariyerum Perumal explores caste, identity, and institutional inequality through the intense love story of law students Vidhi and Neelesh. Kingdom Cast: Vijay Deverakonda (as Suri), Satyadev, Bhagyashri BorseDirector: Gowtam Tinnanuri Kingdom is a highly anticipated pan‑India spy action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged cop role, supported by Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Originally delayed several times due to national events, it is now scheduled for a global theatrical release. War 2 Cast: Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara AdvaniDirector: Ayan Mukerji The next chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2, brings together two powerhouses Hrithik and NTR Jr.in a high-stakes, globe-trotting action thriller. Expect mind-blowing stunts, slick storytelling, and intense rivalries. Coolie Cast: Rajinikanth (as Deva), Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, cameo by Aamir KhanDirector: Lokesh Kanagaraj An explosive pan‑India action drama, Coolie sees Rajinikanth return in a high‑voltage gangster saga directed by celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna as the antagonist and a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and ambition. Shot across locations in Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, the production wrapped in March 2025. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film marks a major highlight of Rajinikanth’s 50‑year cinematic legacy and is expected to spawn impressive pre‑sales figures overseas. Son of Sardaar

Entertainment

Siddhant Chaturvedi Opens Up on Breaking into Bollywood

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story isn’t your typical industry launchpad tale. From his small-town roots in Ballia to his breakthrough in Gully Boy, he’s carved a space for himself with grit, versatility, and quiet confidence. Ahead of the release of Dhadak 2, the actor opens up about the pressures of fame, resisting typecasting, struggling with self-styling, and how his parents’ unwavering support helped him through it all. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Siddhant talks about his journey, and more. Excerpts- Do you feel pressure ahead of Dhadak 2’s release? Yes, there is pressure with every film’s release, whether it is a sequel or an independent film. But there’s more pressure with a sequel; it is not that you have to match the earlier one. There is always a desire to show something new, to show it differently, to tell a new story, because the ultimate goal is that people are entertained, and if they like something in it, they will like the film. Have you consciously chosen varied roles to avoid typecasting? Well, the work I do and at this point in time of my career, if I understand the story and I feel that this story has connected with me, then I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere that you don’t have to do the same; you have to act in different characters, you have to present yourself in different ways, because this is the time for me. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not typecast roles. I always think that if you do one kind of thing, then that becomes your market. After doing a variety of roles, you reach a point, I have done it all, now what more? Do you believe in building a ‘market’ for yourself? I always have a goal

Entertainment

I Feel This is the Best Year of My Career- R Madhavan

R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor. Excerpts- What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu? Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart. How has your view on romance changed over the years? Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that

Entertainment

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy