Rishabh Pant Historic ₹27 Crore IPL Auction Bid Sparks Buzz
Rishabh Pant has shattered records in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, becoming the most expensive player in the tournament’s history. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired the star player with a staggering bid of ₹27 crore, eclipsing Shreyas Iyer’s previous record of ₹26.75 crore, which was set moments earlier by the Punjab Kings.
The monumental bid has ignited widespread reactions among fans and brands alike. Among those joining the conversation was Zomato, known for its quirky social media posts. The food delivery platform shared a humorous tweet, playing on Pant’s surname and the enormity of the bid. Their tweet read, “Lucknow, if you have ₹27 crore in your pants, thoda humpe bhi kharcho yaar #IPLAuction.”
The post quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of witty responses from fans. Some humorously critiqued Zomato’s services, with one user remarking, “Unfortunately, you deliver ‘food,’ not ‘six.’” Another joked about the culinary choices of Lucknow fans, predicting that “Lucknowi Biryani” would see a surge in orders following the auction. One fan teased Zomato, suggesting they only deliver in stadiums to match the cricket fever.
While Zomato’s tweet drew attention for its humor, the brand also faced a backlash connected to its recent controversy over an unconventional job listing. The company’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, had posted requirements for a Chief of Staff position that included an unpaid year and a ₹20 lakh donation to secure the role. This announcement sparked criticism online, and Zomato eventually clarified that the listing was meant to identify high-potential candidates by gauging their willingness to prioritize long-term growth over short-term constraints. Goyal later assured that applicants discussing payment or the ability to meet the donation requirement were rejected outright.
Despite the controversy surrounding Zomato, Pant’s record-breaking bid remained the center of attention. Social media platforms were abuzz with discussions, memes, and congratulatory messages celebrating the wicketkeeper-batsman’s rise in IPL history. Fans of Lucknow Super Giants expressed excitement over having such a pivotal player join their squad, anticipating that Pant’s addition would significantly enhance the team’s performance.
This auction has highlighted how competitive and lucrative the IPL has become, with franchises willing to invest heavily in key players. Pant’s on-field prowess and ability to single-handedly change the course of matches have made him a valuable asset. His inclusion in LSG is expected to boost the team’s strategy and overall game plan, bringing renewed hope to their fanbase.
The IPL auction, always a spectacle, has grown into a cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination of cricket enthusiasts globally. Players like Rishabh Pant are not just athletes but also icons who inspire fans and attract massive investments from franchises. The astronomical bids seen this year reflect not only the talent of players but also the commercial scale of the league.
As the dust settles on the auction, all eyes will be on Pant as he takes on the challenge of living up to the expectations associated with such a record-breaking deal. His performances in the upcoming IPL season will undoubtedly be under the microscope as fans and critics alike assess whether the ₹27 crore investment pays dividends for Lucknow Super Giants.
The IPL continues to be a platform where talent and opportunity meet, and players like Pant symbolize the league’s enduring appeal. With every season, the stakes rise higher, and this year’s auction has set a new benchmark for what franchises are willing to spend to build a winning team.
In the larger context, Pant’s record-setting bid underscores the evolving dynamics of sports as a business. The IPL exemplifies how cricket has transcended its traditional boundaries to become a global entertainment spectacle. For fans, however, it remains about the thrill of the game, and players like Rishabh Pant ensure that excitement never wanes.