In the IPL 2025 Auction, Punjab Super Kings (PBKS) opted to sign Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore, passing on Rishabh Pant, who fetched ₹27 crore. Head coach Ricky Ponting cited strategic reasons for the decision.

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• PBKS entered the auction with the largest purse of ₹110.5 crore.
• Shreyas Iyer signed for ₹26.75 crore, second-highest IPL payment in history.
• Rishabh Pant went for ₹27 crore but was not pursued by PBKS.
• Ricky Ponting praised Pant’s dynamic skills but explained budgetary constraints.
• Ponting reflected on his successful partnership with Iyer at Delhi Capitals.
• Iyer’s recent 130-run innings in 50 balls boosted confidence in his form.
• Focus on Iyer meant PBKS avoided a bidding war for Pant.
• Decision sparked widespread debate among IPL fans and analysts.