An action-packed show with all the drama on the first day of the two-day 2025 IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, got underway early. The record for the most expensive IPL player was surpassed twice in just a few minutes. After pacers Arshdeep Singh (Rs. 18 crore) and Kagiso Rabada of South Africa (₹10.75 crore), Shreyas Iyer was the third name on the market. The record of Rs. 24.75 crore that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent for Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc at the previous year's auction was eclipsed by the bid for Shreyas, skipper of the current champions. Shreyas was subsequently purchased by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs. 26.75 crore.

Indian players received the five most expensive deals during Sunday's procedures. Venkatesh Iyer (Rs. 23.75 crore), Arshdeep, and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (₹18 crore), who are ranked fourth and fifth in the list, cost the squad a total of Rs. 113.5 crore.

While Pant and Iyer stole the limelight, several other Indian players also commanded hefty sums. Ruturaj Gaikwad was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹12 crore.Ravi Bishnoi, the young spinner, went to Punjab Kings for ₹10.5 crore. Tilak Varma fetched ₹8.8 crore from Gujarat Titans. Among other Indians, KL Rahul (Rs. 14 crore) turned out to be a great deal for DC, who was also in need of a new captain. R Ashwin, who paid Rs. 9.75 crore to join the Chennai Super Kings, was making a homecoming.

Interestingly, foreign players witnessed a lukewarm response this year. While marquee names like David Warner and Rashid Khan still secured significant deals, they were outshone by Indian stars, marking a shift in franchise strategy.

The focus on Indian players highlights the growing strength and depth of cricketing talent in the country, setting the stage for yet another thrilling IPL season.