November 24, 2024: The IPL 2025 mega auction had its share of drama, but the most electrifying moment came when Punjab Kings (PBKS) broke all records to acquire Shreyas Iyer for a staggering ₹26.75 crore. This move made Iyer the most expensive player in IPL history, and social media was quick to react with a mix of humour, shock, and critique.
Under the leadership of co-owner Preity Zinta, PBKS entered the auction with the largest purse and made it clear they were determined to land the IPL-winning captain. A fierce bidding war ensued between Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals, with Punjab ultimately outbidding their competitors. As the bid skyrocketed past ₹20 crore, fans and experts watched in awe. By the end of the auction, Punjab had secured the services of the prolific middle-order batter, rewriting the league’s history books.
Mixed Reactions Flood Twitter
Shreyas Iyer’s record-breaking price tag drew widespread attention, but not everyone was impressed. Critics on Twitter (formerly X) raised concerns about the financial wisdom of PBKS’s strategy, with some questioning the decision to spend such a hefty sum on a single player.
One fan humorously commented:
This man made an entire franchise believe that Shreyas Iyer is worth Rs. 26.75 Crores.
“Punjab Kings ❌ Punjab Clowns ✅ Spending ₹26.75 crores on Shreyas Iyer is peak comedy!”
Another user echoed similar sentiments, sarcastically suggesting:
“PBKS just blew 25% of their budget on one batter. Is this auction or a lottery? 🤔”
Others poked fun at the team’s management, with a viral tweet reading:
“Normala Sitharaman, time to confiscate PBKS’s purse. Budget imbalance detected! 😅”
On the flip side, supporters of Punjab Kings praised the bold move, labeling it as a necessary gamble for a team chasing its maiden IPL title.
Shreyas Iyer: The Record-Breaker
Shreyas Iyer’s IPL journey is a testament to his consistency and leadership. Since being picked up by Delhi Daredevils in 2015 for ₹2.6 crore, Iyer has delivered stellar performances, amassing over 400 runs in a season on four occasions.
His time with Delhi Capitals saw him rise as a leader, guiding the team to their maiden IPL final in 2020. In 2022, Iyer moved to Kolkata Knight Riders, where he not only excelled with the bat but also led KKR to the 2023 IPL title, cementing his status as one of the league’s finest captains.
Despite his impressive track record, the ₹26.75 crore deal sparked debates over whether Iyer’s price tag would justify his impact in the Punjab Kings setup. However, PBKS appears confident that his experience and tactical acumen will help them break their title drought.
A Gamble Worth Taking?
PBKS’s aggressive bidding aligns with their ambition to revamp their squad and end years of underwhelming performances. However, spending a quarter of their budget on a single player comes with risks, as it limits their flexibility in building a balanced team.
With Shreyas Iyer now donning the Punjab Kings jersey, the pressure will be on him to deliver both as a batter and a leader. For fans, all eyes will be on how this high-stakes gamble unfolds in IPL 2025.
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IPL 2025 Auction, Shreyas Iyer IPL, Punjab Kings, IPL Record Purchases, Shreyas Iyer Auction Price, IPL Twitter Reactions, Cricket Humor, IPL Player Transfers,