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

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The Rise of Meenaakshi Chaudhary: Reigning Queen of the South India

From donning a crown in beauty pageants to delivering powerful performances on screen, MEENAAKSHI CHAUDHARY’S journey from dentistry to dazzling stardom is nothing short of cinematic. With a string of critically acclaimed roles across Telugu and Tamil cinema, Meenaakshi is fast emerging as a pan-Indian powerhouse. With exciting projects lined up, including collaborations with Naga Chaitanya and Naveen Polishetty, her star power continues to soar, captivating audiences with her blend of talent, grace, and versatility. SINDURI VUPPALA catches up with the actress for an exclusive conversation, tracing her inspiring rise and what lies ahead. Let’s start from the beginning—what drew you to acting, and how did your journey into Telugu cinema begin? Was the transition from pageants and dentistry to movies something you planned, or did it unfold organically? I believe it was a destiny move for me, because I never thought of becoming an actor. I grew up wanting to be Miss India for sure, a doctor and probably in civil services. After I joined Miss India, I got a lot of other opportunities, which I never thought that I could possibly foray into. So, I gave everything a try because whatever comes my way, I never just let it go, and I thought I might as well try it. If I don’t like it, I can continue doing what I’m doing, and I think that’s how my journey began. The transition from pageantry, modelling, dentistry to getting into acting was truly something that just happened and I think when something’s meant to happen, it just finds its own way and that’s truly what happened in my case as well. What inspired you to leave your dental career behind and pursue acting? Was there a specific moment that made you feel this is where I belong? Honestly, I never really thought of considering dentistry as my first option, I

Entertainment

Action Reloaded: Sunny Deol Steps into the South with Jaat

Sunny Deol is riding high on the success of Jaat, his first full-fledged lead role in a South Indian film. Directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the film has struck critical and commercial gold. In an exclusive chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Sunny opens up about his experience working in the South, redefining stardom, and why audiences are returning to strong, rooted cinema. Exclusive Excerpts After Gadar 2, would you call this a golden phase in your career? Absolutely. When the first Gadar became a hit, meri dukaan band ho gayi. Then came the second one and dukaan khul gayi. People said Gadar 2 was outdated, but the audience loved it. Today, we’re returning to rooted films. Bollywood directors have moved away from making original, grounded stories—they’re focusing too much on city-centric films. But 99 percent of our audience is Indian, and they want stories they can connect with. How do you define stardom today? Do you consider yourself a star or an actor? I focus on my work, not on stardom. These days, actors feel the need to constantly stay in the public eye. But for me, stardom is enjoying my work as an actor. If my work is appreciated, I feel fulfilled. I feel blessed to be in this industry where we live different lives through our characters, even if it means no weekends and no regular work hours. We are people who love a peaceful life. Is doing physically demanding roles still challenging for you?Honestly, I’ve never found physical roles difficult. That’s just who I am. Age is just a number. If the role suits me and I can live the character truthfully, that’s enough. I don’t shy away from physically demanding work. What precautions do you take while performing

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5 Paranormal Podcasts which will send shivers down your spine

Love the thrill of a good scare? Paranormal podcasts are the perfect escape into the unknown, where haunted tales, ghostly encounters, and eerie investigations come alive through chilling audio. If you are looking for something more than just background noise, these supernatural podcasts will tingle your spine and mess with your sleep. Grab your headphones and prepare to get haunted as DHANUSH KUMAR brings five podcasts that are not for the faint of heart. 1. Bhay Originals Created by Ankan Sharmishtha Bose, Bhay Originals has rapidly become a leading name in Indian horror podcasts. With over 2 million organic listens, it offers immersive, movie-style Hindi horror audio dramas that delve into ghost stories, paranormal encounters, and suspenseful narratives. Why it’s popular: High-quality production and original storytelling that keeps listeners on the edge. Listener feedback: Praised for its originality and spine-chilling narratives. 2. Paranormal Reality Hosted by paranormal investigator Jay Alani, Paranormal Reality explores real-life, supernatural phenomena across India. Jay shares his extensive experiences, discussing various entities and their characteristics, making it a compelling listen for those intrigued by the unknown. Why it’s popular: Authentic accounts from a seasoned investigator who provides a unique perspective. Listener feedback: Appreciated for its legitimacy and engaging content. 3. Ghosts Encounters Unfiltered Produced by Scare Events India, this podcast features Pooja Vijay, Sarbajeet Mohanty, and Savio Furtado from the Parapsychology and Investigations Research Society (PAIRS). They dissect infamous paranormal cases, sharing decades of experience and insights into the supernatural world. Why it’s popular: In-depth analysis of well-known paranormal incidents by experienced investigators. Listener feedback: Valued for its detailed discussions and professional insights. 4. Spookcast Spookcast offers original horror stories in Hindi, narrated by Avi and produced by Manjila Basu. The podcast covers a range of spooky tales, from haunted highways to eerie personal experiences, providing

Entertainment

Top 10 Travel Destinations Most Indian Celebrities Flock to During Summer Vacations

From pristine beaches to mountain hideouts and global fashion capitals, Indian celebrities love to escape the spotlight and unwind in some of the world’s most luxurious and scenic destinations during summer. Whether it’s Bollywood stars, cricketers, or influencers, their vacation choices often set travel trends for fans. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 travel destinations by Hashtag Magazine that are hot favourites among Indian celebrities for their summer getaways. 1. Maldives – The Celebrity Island Escape The Maldives continues to top the list as the most Instagrammed vacation destination by Indian celebrities. With its overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and unmatched privacy, stars like Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Janhvi Kapoor, and Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma have chosen this paradise for summer getaways. 2. London, United Kingdom – The Summer Chill Spot London’s cool summer weather, art scene, shopping hotspots, and Indian food joints make it a magnet for celebs like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karan Johar, and Saif Ali Khan. Several Bollywood families often spend weeks at a stretch in their London homes during summer. 3. Paris, France – The Style Capital Paris is not only about romance but also fashion and culture. Celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone often make it a point to stop in Paris for fashion shows or a summer escape. 4. Tuscany, Italy – Rustic Luxury Tuscany’s scenic countryside, vineyards, and historical villas make it an ideal celebrity retreat. Shilpa Shetty, Anushka Sharma, and even Hrithik Roshan have been spotted exploring this region. 5. New York City, USA – For the Buzz and Vibe The Big Apple is a summer hot spot for Indian celebrities looking for energy, art, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Stars like Priyanka Chopra, who partly resides there, and others like Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt visit frequently. 6. Switzerland – The Eternal Bollywood Dream From DDLJ nostalgia to skiing in the Alps, Switzerland remains a dreamy escape for Indian