Devdutt Padikkal, Manish Pandey among most expensive buys at Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2025 auction

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The 2025 Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 auction delivered high drama and record-breaking bids as some of Karnataka’s and India’s top cricketing talents went under the hammer in the tournament’s fourth edition.

Leading the headlines was stylish left-hander Devdutt Padikkal, who fetched the highest price of the day. The Hubli Tigers broke the bank to sign Padikkal for ₹13.20 lakh, the highest ever in the history of the Maharaja Trophy auctions. The 25-year-old’s proven domestic and IPL track record made him one of the most sought-after players in the pool. Padikkal’s move comes after a strong 2024 season where he amassed 253 runs in 10 innings for Gulbarga Mystics and a notable year with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.

Hubli Tigers, last season’s runners-up, used their sizable auction purse to ensure Padikkal would anchor the top order, signaling their intent to go a step further this campaign.

Veteran India and IPL middle-order batter Manish Pandey closely followed, securing a lucrative deal of ₹12.20 lakh with the defending champions Mysore Warriors. The franchise, known for building balanced squads, added Pandey’s wealth of experience to an already formidable lineup. Pandey’s signing is expected to add solidity and leadership in clutch moments as Mysore aim to defend their title.

If Padikkal’s power and promise reflect youthful energy, Pandey’s acquisition is a clear nod towards experience and composure—key elements for a successful T20 run.

Abhinav Manohar: Also emerged as a joint second-highest buy, joining Padikkal at Hubli Tigers for ₹12.20 lakh. Manohar, who has made a mark with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL, adds to Hubli’s formidable top order.

Vidwath Kaverappa: The Shivamogga Lions secured the Karnataka pacer for ₹10.80 lakh, reflecting teams’ desires for strike bowlers who can make a decisive impact in T20s.

Vidyadhar Patil: Bengaluru Blasters strengthened their bowling with this ₹8.30 lakh signing.

Also READ: DPL 2025 – List of marquee and top-category players sold at Delhi Premier League Auction

Samit Dravid, son of Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid, went unsold despite pre-auction buzz, underscoring the high competition and evolving priorities among the franchises for the 2025 season.

The tournament will run from August 11 to 27 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, promising another exciting edition of Karnataka’s top domestic T20 league.

Also READ: Sanju Samson smashes auction record in Kerala Cricket League with highest price tag