Rishabh Pant rewrote Indian Premier League's history books on Sunday, becoming the most expensive player ever purchased in the cricket league auction. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the explosive Indian wicketkeeper-batter for a staggering Rs 27 crore at the mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Pant's acquisition eclipsed Shreyas Iyer's record-breaking deal just moments earlier. Punjab Kings had secured Iyer's services for Rs 26.75 crore, but his reign as the IPL's most prized player was short-lived.

A Bidding Frenzy for Pant

Pant's name, the final one in the first set of marquee players, sent a wave of excitement through the auction hall. LSG initiated the bidding, immediately challenged by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). A fierce battle ensued, with both teams rapidly raising their paddles.

The price skyrocketed past Rs 5 crore and quickly breached the Rs 10 crore mark. LSG countered RCB's aggressive bids, pushing the price higher. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) then entered the fray, further intensifying the bidding war. They upped the ante to Rs 17 crore, but LSG remained determined, responding with a counter-bid of Rs 17.25 crore.

The battle continued to rage, with bids reaching a staggering Rs 20 crore within moments. SRH initially held the lead, with franchise owner Kavya Maran consulting with Daniel Vettori as they continued their aggressive pursuit. LSG, however, matched them every step of the way.

A glimmer of hope for Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged as they considered exercising their Right to Match (RTM) card when LSG momentarily secured Pant for Rs 20.75 crore. 

However, LSG refused to back down, raising the stakes to a record-breaking Rs 27 crore. This forced DC to withdraw, leaving LSG the undisputed winner of the bidding war.