By Rohit - Mar 26, 2025 05:23 PM
March 26, 2025, IPL 2025 – The IPL 2025 season kicked off with a bang, and as of Tuesday, March 25, every team has now played their first match. Punjab Kings closed out the opening round with a convincing 25-run victory over Gujarat Titans, while Sunrisers Hyderabad claimed the top spot on the points table after a massive win against Rajasthan Royals. Speaking of the Royals, they find themselves languishing at the bottom, still searching for form.
Amid the early action, lesser-known players have seized the spotlight, while some of the IPL’s biggest auction buys—like Venkatesh Iyer—struggled to justify their hefty price tags. Here’s a closer look at how the five highest-paid players from the IPL 2025 mega-auction performed in their opening games.
Rishabh Pant, who etched his name in history as the IPL’s most expensive player at ₹27 crore, had a nightmarish debut for Lucknow Super Giants. Facing Delhi Capitals, Pant was dismissed for a six-ball duck—his slowest-ever exit in the league—failing to score off his first delivery. His woes didn’t end there; as a wicketkeeper, he missed a critical stumping in the final over, costing his team dearly as Delhi Capitals sealed the win. For a player commanding such a massive fee, this was a sobering start.
In stark contrast, Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings’ ₹26.75 crore acquisition, delivered a masterclass in his first outing as captain. Against Gujarat Titans, Iyer fell just short of a century, finishing unbeaten on 97 off a brisk pace, with five fours and nine sixes. His explosive knock powered Punjab Kings to a commanding total, proving his worth as a game-changer and setting a high bar Earth for the season ahead.
Venkatesh Iyer, snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore, had a lackluster start against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener. Managing just 6 runs off 7 balls—with a solitary four—he couldn’t provide the impetus KKR needed. He didn’t get a chance to bowl either, and his underwhelming contribution played a part in his team’s struggles against a rampant RCB side. Fans will hope this is just a blip for the big-money all-rounder.
Punjab Kings’ ₹18 crore pacer Arshdeep Singh put in a decent shift against Gujarat Titans. He picked up 2 wickets in his four overs but conceded 36 runs at an economy rate of 9.00—the best among his team’s bowlers. While not a standout performance, it was a solid enough effort in a match where Punjab’s batting, led by Iyer, stole the show. Arshdeep will look to sharpen his impact in future games.
Yuzvendra Chahal, another ₹18 crore Punjab Kings signing and the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, had an uncharacteristically poor outing. Against Gujarat Titans, he went wicketless, leaking 34 runs in just three overs—failing to complete his full quota. For a spinner known for his guile and consistency, this was a surprising dip, leaving fans and analysts eager for a strong bounce-back in his next appearance.
The opening round of IPL 2025 has already delivered its share of highs and lows. While Shreyas Iyer dazzled and Arshdeep Singh held steady, the likes of Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, and Yuzvendra Chahal fell short of expectations. With Sunrisers Hyderabad leading the pack and Rajasthan Royals reeling, the tournament promises plenty of twists ahead. It’s only the beginning, and these top buys will have ample opportunities to prove their mettle as the season unfolds.
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