Shreyas Iyer: Second Most Highest Paid IPL Player in 2025
In a groundbreaking development during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, Shreyas Iyer emerged as the second-highest-paid player, securing a monumental deal with the Punjab Kings worth ₹26.75 crore (approximately $3.17 million).
This record-breaking contract underscores Iyer’s exceptional talent and the immense value he brings to the T20 format.
Early Life and Personal Background
Born on December 6, 1994, in Chembur, Mumbai, Shreyas Santosh Iyer exhibited a passion for cricket from a young age. His early education took place at Don Bosco High School in Matunga, followed by graduation from R.A. Podar College in Mumbai. Iyer’s cricketing journey began under the mentorship of coach Pravin Amre at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation for aggressive batting.
Domestic Career and Rise to Prominence
Iyer’s domestic career took off during the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy season, where he amassed 809 runs at an average of 50.56. The following season, he topped the charts with 1,321 runs at an average of 73.38, showcasing his consistency and prowess.
His performances caught the attention of IPL franchises, leading to his acquisition by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2015 for ₹2.6 crore. Iyer justified this investment by scoring 439 runs in his debut season, earning the IPL Emerging Player of the Year award.
International Debut and Career
Iyer made his international debut for India in a T20I against New Zealand on November 1, 2017. He soon earned his ODI cap on December 10, 2017, against Sri Lanka. His Test debut came later, on November 25, 2021, against New Zealand, where he made an immediate impact by scoring a century in his first innings.
Statistical Overview
Shreyas Iyer’s career statistics across different formats are as follows:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 14 | 24 | 811 | 105 | 36.86 | 63.01 | 1 | 5 | 15 |
| ODIs | 62 | 57 | 2,421 | 128* | 47.47 | 101.21 | 5 | 18 | 24 |
| T20Is | 51 | 47 | 1,104 | 74* | 30.66 | 136.12 | 0 | 8 | 16 |
| IPL | 116 | 115 | 3,127 | 96 | 32.23 | 127.47 | 0 | 21 | 49 |
IPL Journey and Leadership
Iyer’s IPL journey has been marked by significant contributions and leadership roles. After his initial stint with Delhi Capitals, he was appointed as the captain in 2018, leading the team to the playoffs in 2019 and the finals in 2020. In 2022, he was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and led them to an IPL title in 2024.
Despite this success, KKR released him ahead of the 2025 auction, a decision that surprised many.
Record-Breaking Auction and Future Prospects
The 2025 IPL auction saw intense bidding for Iyer, culminating in the Punjab Kings securing his services for ₹26.75 crore, making him the second-highest-paid player in IPL history.
This acquisition reflects the franchise’s confidence in Iyer’s abilities to lead and deliver match-winning performances. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate his impact on the Punjab Kings’ fortunes in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Mumbai to becoming one of the highest-paid players in IPL history is a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership. His consistent performances across formats and ability to handle pressure situations have established him as a mainstay in Indian cricket. As he takes on new challenges with the Punjab Kings, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how he continues to evolve and contribute to the sport.
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