The IPL 2025 mega auction began on November 24, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made headlines by acquiring Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking ₹27 crore. This became the highest bid in IPL history, surpassing Punjab Kings’ earlier ₹26.75 crore bid. Pant is expected to replace KL Rahul, who was released by LSG before the auction.
The bidding war for Pant surprised everyone, with Delhi Capitals using their RTM card before LSG clinched the deal at ₹27 crore. Delhi ultimately had to back out, unable to match the staggering bid.
KL Rahul’s Exit
KL Rahul’s departure from LSG followed rumors of a fallout with franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka. After captaining LSG from 2022 to 2024, Rahul parted ways as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs last season. A video of Goenka and Rahul in a heated discussion during a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this year fueled speculation about tension between the two.
Viral Meme Sparks Buzz
Post-auction, social media buzzed with memes, including one implying Rahul warned Pant about Goenka being a “toxic boss.” The meme humorously depicted Rahul advising Pant:
“Dekh Bhai, company achi hai, pay acha hai, par boss bahot toxic hai” (Look, the company and pay are good, but the boss is very toxic).
Dekh Bhai, company achi hai, pay acha hai, par boss bohot toxic hai pic.twitter.com/qgVvoi71Fm
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 24, 2024
Goenka’s Response
When asked about the meme during an interaction on Times Now, Goenka admitted he hadn’t seen it but acknowledged being a demanding boss when necessary. He said:
“Maine meme nahi dekha hai, but itna keh sakta hoon ki boss loving bhi hai, caring bhi, aur tough bhi. Jab love ki zarurat hoti hai to love deta hai. Jab caring ki zarurat hoti hai to caring bhi deta hai. Aur jab daant ki zarurat hoti hai to daant bhi deta hai” (I haven’t seen the meme, but I can affirm the boss is loving, caring, and tough. When love is needed, I provide love. When care is needed, I provide care. And when scolding is required, I scold).
Sanjiv Goenka on Meme 😂😂❤️
"Pay acha hai but Tough boss hai"🎥 – Times Now#CricketTwitter #IPL #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/Ez8blnT5LQ
— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) November 26, 2024
From toxic air of delhi to toxic work culture of lucknow…
— Mudit Jain (@DecodeCIVILS) November 24, 2024
20 Cr to play
Last 7 Cr to tolerate Goenka ‘s 🤬🤬🤬#RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/0gG5Sw5bJD— Raul Vinci 🚩 (@TheRaulVinci) November 24, 2024
Nice Advice from Kl Rahul to Rishab Pant.
— bully pakistan (@bullypakistan) November 24, 2024
Anchor changed the word toxic to tough 😂
— PA1 (@DrDhfm) November 26, 2024
Bhai 27 crore koi mereko de to gali chhodo 2-3 chapet bhi kha lunga
— Nikhil Kheni (@DearerMean) November 26, 2024
LSG’s Retained Players
Before the auction, LSG retained key players, including Mayank Yadav, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni. Notably, Pooran was retained for ₹21 crore.
Did you follow the IPL 2025 auction? Share your thoughts in the comments!
