IPL 2025 is now going to be the talk of the town soon, in fact, discussions have already started in many corners. And why not? The next two months will be packed with thrilling matches, and it will be fascinating to see how things come. Teams have already begun their preparations to get the best out of their players in this cash-rich league.
There is no hidden fact that during the IPL auction, held in November 2024, many teams showcased their shrewd management skills and made smart purchases. However, there were some players who stood out among the rest.
The best example is Rishabh Pant, for whom almost every team showed eagerness, but in the end, it was Lucknow Super Giants who emerged victorious, making Pant the most expensive player in IPL history.
And it wasn’t just him, several other names grabbed attention as well. But if we compile all the costliest buys and form a playing XI, which players will feature? Take a look at the most expensive playing XI for IPL 2025.
Expensive playing XI for IPL 2025
| Player | Price (INR) | Role |
| Jos Buttler (Captain) (Overseas) | 15.75 Crore | Opener |
| KL Rahul | 14 Crore | Opener |
| Shreyas Iyer | 26.75 Crore | No.3 Batter |
| Ishan Kishan | 11.25 Crore | No.4 Batter |
| Rishabh Pant ( Wicket-keeper) | 27 Crore | Middle-order Batter |
| Marcus Stoinis (Overseas) | 11 Crore | All-rounder |
| Venkatesh Iyer | 23.75 Crore | All-rounder |
| Jofra Archer (Overseas) | 12.5 Crore | Pacer |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 18 Crore | Spinner |
| Arshdeep Singh | 18 Crore | Left-arm Pacer |
| Trent Boult (Overseas) | 12.5 Crore | Pacer |
You can’t get better openers in T20 cricket than Jos Buttler and KL Rahul. On one hand, Buttler is known for smashing bowlers all over the park, while on the other, KL Rahul is known for his calm demeanour. No one can deny how brilliantly he handles tough situations and his ability to take on bowlers when needed.
Then comes former KKR captain and now PBKS leader, Shreyas Iyer, who not only adds stability but can also create havoc for the fielding team with his six-hitting ability. Ishan Kishan’s middle-order batting can be a big advantage. Although he usually opens in the IPL, he can play a crucial role in the middle order as the opening slots are already packed.
Rishabh Pant and Marcus Stoinis are key middle-order batters, with Pant known for his fearless game and ability to score crucial runs, especially in the last 10 overs. Alongside him, Marcus Stoinis is a complete T20 player who not only contributes with the bat but can also chip in with a few overs, making him a valuable all-rounder.
Archer’s raw pace and Trent Boult’s disciplined bowling can dismantle any batting lineup, making them a dangerous duo. Venkatesh Iyer can also bowl, but his batting is something the team can rely on more. When it comes to Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh adds variety with his left-arm angle and exceptional death-over skills, while IPL’s highest wicket-taker to date, Yuzvendra Chahal, remains a proven match-winner. The full team looks solid and capable of dominating any team.
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