Shreyas Iyer Joins Punjab Kings for Record ₹26.75 Crore: Fans Go Wild on Twitter

Varahi media.com online news, November 27th,2024: Shreyas Iyer has etched his name in IPL history as the most expensive player ever, bagging an unprecedented ₹26.75 crore deal with Punjab Kings during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw intense bidding for the star batter, who previously led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to IPL 2024 glory.

Iyer, released by KKR ahead of the auction, will now don the Punjab Kings jersey for the IPL 2025 season. This record-breaking deal follows an exceptional season in 2024, where he captained KKR to their third IPL title after missing IPL 2023 due to a back injury.

Initially bought by KKR for ₹12.25 crore in 2022, Iyer’s IPL journey began with the Delhi Capitals (DC), where he played for seven seasons and took over captaincy in 2018, replacing Gautam Gambhir mid-season.

Known for his elegance against spin bowling, Shreyas Iyer has an impressive IPL record of 3,127 runs in 116 matches at a strike rate of 127.47, with 21 half-centuries. Across all T20 formats, he has amassed 5,759 runs in 215 matches, including three centuries and 36 fifties, at a strike rate of 132.57.

Before the auction, Iyer displayed his brilliance by smashing an unbeaten 130 off 57 balls for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with a blistering strike rate of 228.07. In the domestic circuit, he scored 154 runs in the Duleep Trophy and contributed to Mumbai’s Irani Cup win with scores of 57 and 8.

His current form in the Ranji Trophy is equally remarkable, having scored 452 runs in four matches at an average of 90.40, including a double century (233). Overall, Iyer has piled up 801 runs in 14 innings across nine domestic matches this season, averaging 61.61 with three centuries and three fifties.

Despite his domestic success, Iyer’s international outings have been limited, with his last appearance for India in the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August, scoring 38 runs in three innings.

Social media exploded with reactions as fans and cricket pundits debated Iyer’s record-breaking price tag. Many praised Punjab Kings for securing a consistent performer, while others were awestruck by the escalating stakes in IPL auctions.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant also made headlines, surpassing Iyer as the most expensive IPL player after being signed by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore.

Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer, who fetched ₹26.75 crore and ₹23.75 crore respectively, have set a new benchmark for IPL auctions, showcasing the ever-growing popularity and competitiveness of the league.