NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant shattered records at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, becoming the highest-paid player in the league’s history. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter for an unprecedented Rs 27 crore.
Delhi Capitals attempted to retain their star player by exercising the Right to Match (RTM) card at Rs 20.75 crore. However, LSG’s aggressive bid of Rs 27 crore forced Delhi Capitals to step back, sealing Pant’s move to the Lucknow-based franchise.
Pant’s record-breaking contract caps off a remarkable comeback story. After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 2022 and undergoing extensive rehabilitation, he returned to international cricket with a renewed focus.
Now, Pant is set to lead LSG as captain in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, which kicks off on March 14.

FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN OF PANT’S LANDMARK DEAL

While Rs 27 crore headlines Pant’s historic contract, the actual net payout tells a different story due to tax implications.
Lucknow have committed Rs 27 crore per season for Pant’s services with the team. The Indian government will claim Rs 8.1 crore in tax from his total contract value. This leaves Pant with a net salary of Rs 18.9 crore per season from his IPL team.
CONTRACT VALUE: Rs 27 crore (per season)
TAX DEDUCTION: Rs 8.1 crore (as per Indian government regulations)
NET SALARY: Rs 18.9 crore (per season)