Jitesh Sharma’s Record 5500% Salary Jump Stuns IPL Auction, Surpassing Pant and Iyer’s Bids.

The IPL auction is always a game-changer for cricketers, and the 2025 auction lived up to the hype with some extraordinary bids that have set new records and stunned fans. Held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this two-day mega auction saw IPL franchises spending a total of ₹383.4 crore on 120 Indian players, with several cricketers earning life-changing sums. While big names like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer attracted huge bids, it was the rise of Jitesh Sharma who stole the show, breaking records with an unbelievable salary increase.

Jitesh, who was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹11 crore, experienced a jaw-dropping 5500% salary increase from his previous ₹20 lakh salary. This is by far the largest salary hike in IPL auction history, surpassing all expectations and establishing Jitesh as one of the most sought-after players in the league. His meteoric rise comes after a solid showing with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two seasons, where he earned a reputation as a capable finisher with impressive strike rates of 163 and 156 in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The Rationale Behind RCB’s Big Bid for Jitesh Sharma

Despite a relatively quiet 2024 season where Jitesh scored 187 runs at a strike rate of 131, his reputation as a finisher and wicketkeeper-batter made him an attractive proposition for RCB. The franchise was searching for a replacement for Dinesh Karthik, who retired after serving as both the finisher and wicketkeeper for the team. Jitesh’s ability to bat lower the order and finish games with crucial cameos and his wicketkeeping skills made him the ideal candidate to fill this void.

Moreover, Jitesh’s versatility in the shorter format, especially in high-pressure situations, has earned him recognition at the national level. His role as a finisher was solidified with his inclusion in India’s T20I squad, where he contributed in key moments, such as in the recent T20I series against South Africa. This ability to perform under pressure makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen its middle order.

Other Notable Salary Hikes in the IPL 2025 Auction

While no one came close to Jitesh’s astronomical rise, other players also saw significant salary hikes during the auction:

• Venkatesh Iyer was one of the biggest earners in terms of absolute money. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services for ₹23.75 crore, a ₹15.75 crore increase from his previous salary of ₹8 crore.
• Shreyas Iyer, who had previously earned ₹12.25 crore in the 2022 auction, saw his salary surge to ₹26.75 crore this year. PBKS snapped up the IPL-winning captain with a whopping ₹14.5 crore raise, a jump of over 200%.
• Arshdeep Singh, the T20I specialist, had his value soar despite being released by PBKS before the auction. The franchise used their RTM card to bring him back for ₹18 crore, a 3500% salary increase from his previous ₹4 crore price tag.
• Yuzvendra Chahal, another standout performer, was bought by PBKS for ₹18 crore—₹11.5 crore more than his last IPL contract of ₹6.5 crore with Rajasthan Royals. This made him the highest-paid spinner in IPL history, surpassing Wanindu Hasaranga’s ₹10.75 crore deal.
• Rishabh Pant, already the highest-paid player in IPL history, saw his salary increase by ₹11 crore when Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured him for ₹27 crore. His previous IPL salary at Delhi Capitals was ₹16 crore.

The IPL Auction Continues to Shape Careers

The IPL auction 2025 was not just about the big names or record bids but about the emergence of young players like Jitesh Sharma, whose rise proves that the IPL is as much about potential as it is about proven performances. Jitesh’s record-breaking salary hike of 5500% will likely be remembered as one of the defining moments of this auction, setting a new benchmark for young cricketers in the years to come.

As the IPL continues to grow and evolve, the trends set in this auction—such as an increasing emphasis on finishing ability and wicketkeeping skills—will shape the league’s future. For players like Jitesh Sharma, this auction has been a watershed moment, propelling them to new heights in their careers while illustrating how the IPL can transform the fortunes of cricketers in the blink of an eye.