IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Breaking the Bank or Breaking Hearts? Punjab Kings Trolled Over Shreyas Iyer Bid

The IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah created waves, but no moment was as shocking as Punjab Kings (PBKS) breaking records by purchasing Shreyas Iyer for a staggering ₹26.75 crore. As the most expensive player in IPL history, Iyer’s price tag was the hot topic across social media, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

This bold move by PBKS sparked a mix of excitement, trolling, and strategic discussions among fans and analysts alike. But was this investment a masterstroke or a financial gamble? Let’s dive deeper into this dramatic chapter of IPL history.

Shreyas Iyer’s Journey to Becoming IPL’s Costliest Player

Shreyas Iyer wasn’t just any cricketer entering the IPL 2025 auction; he was a player with a proven track record. Fresh from leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024, his leadership and batting prowess made him a sought-after asset. Over 115 matches, Iyer has scored 3127 runs, including 21 half-centuries, making him a consistent performer in the tournament.

Despite his stellar reputation, few could have predicted that PBKS would shell out ₹26.75 crore, shattering the record set by Mitchell Starc in 2024 (₹24.75 crore). While Iyer’s base price was a modest ₹2 crore, the intense bidding war among franchises, particularly Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings, drove his value to unforeseen heights.

Social Media Reacts: Fans and Memes Galore

The IPL auction is as much about cricket as it is about entertainment, and social media didn’t disappoint. As soon as PBKS secured Shreyas Iyer, memes and jokes flooded the internet. Fans poked fun at PBKS, calling the decision “desperate” and labeling them as “mini chokers” for their extravagant spending habits.

One viral tweet read, “Iyer is good, but 26.75 crores? Is PBKS aiming for the trophy or bankruptcy?” Another user joked, “PBKS management is playing fantasy cricket in real life!”

While trolls had their moment, there were also fans who defended the franchise’s decision, pointing out Iyer’s leadership qualities and his potential to transform the team into genuine contenders.

Breaking Down Punjab Kings’ Strategy

PBKS has historically been a team searching for its first IPL title. With their poor performance in IPL 2024, finishing second-last with just five wins, they entered the 2025 auction with the largest purse. This financial flexibility allowed them to go all out for a player like Shreyas Iyer.

PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “Shreyas has been a successful captain before, and his experience will be invaluable. If he can replicate what he did with KKR, I’ll be thrilled.”

However, critics argue that while Iyer is a talented player, such a massive investment could backfire, especially if his performance doesn’t justify the price tag.

PBKS’ Retentions and Auction Moves

PBKS retained only two players ahead of the auction—Arshdeep Singh (₹18 crore) and Prabhsimran Singh (₹4 crore). With ₹85 crore remaining, the franchise entered the auction with the intention of rebuilding its squad around strong leaders.

Their strategy wasn’t limited to Shreyas Iyer. They also acquired Shashank Singh for ₹5.5 crore. However, Iyer’s record-breaking purchase overshadowed these moves, placing immense pressure on him to deliver results both as a batsman and as a captain.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 mega auction has already etched its place in history, thanks to Punjab Kings’ jaw-dropping bid for Shreyas Iyer. While the trolling and debates rage on, one thing is certain: this decision has added a new layer of excitement to the upcoming season. Whether Iyer becomes PBKS’ savior or the move turns into an expensive misstep, the cricketing world will be watching closely.

FAQs

1. Why did Punjab Kings spend ₹26.75 crore on Shreyas Iyer?
PBKS wanted an experienced leader and a consistent batsman. Iyer’s success with KKR in IPL 2024 made him an ideal choice.

2. Is Shreyas Iyer the most expensive player in IPL history?
Yes, at the time of his purchase, Iyer became the costliest IPL player. However, Rishabh Pant broke this record moments later.

3. How has Shreyas Iyer performed in the IPL?
Iyer has scored 3127 runs in 115 matches, including 21 half-centuries. In 2024, he scored 351 runs with a strike rate of 146.86.

4. What are the expectations from Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2025?
As PBKS’ likely captain, Iyer is expected to lead the team to their first IPL title and perform consistently with the bat.

5. How did fans react to Shreyas Iyer’s record-breaking auction price?
Fans had mixed reactions, ranging from trolling PBKS for overspending to praising their bold decision to invest in a proven leader.