NEW DELHI: Punjab kings (PBKS) took a significant step right at the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction using their Right to conformity (RTM) card for backup Arshdeep Singh for 18 Crore Rupees.
This strategic use of the RTM card ensured that PBKS retained one of their most reliable players, highlighting the impact of the newly changed RTM rules.
How does RTM work in IPL 2025 auction?
The RTM card, reintroduced for the 2025 season, works with a new twist. Previously, teams could simply submit the highest bid to keep their player.
However, if a team exercises RTM this year, the bidding team is allowed to increase its offer, creating a compelling back-and-forth dynamic. This change was evident in the intense bidding war for Arshdeep.
The auction began with Punjab's star pacer Arshdeep Singh being the first player under the winning bid. Based on a base price of Rs 2 crore, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi capitals (DC) started the tender.
The price rose quickly when Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers took on Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) joined the fray, each determined to secure the left-arm pacer.
The competition reached its climax when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the fray and eventually outbid everyone with a jaw-dropping offer of Rs 15.75 crore.
Can Ricky Ponting build a match-winning Punjab Kings squad in the IPL 2025 auction?
Just when SRH seemed ready to capture Arshdeep, PBKS decided to play their RTM card. SRH countered with an increased bid of Rs 18 crore, pushing PBKS to take a critical decision. After some deliberation, PBKS executed their RTM card, fulfilled the bid of Rs 18 crore and got their prized bowler back.
This strategic move not only secured the services of Arshdeep Singh but also demonstrated Punjab's commitment to retaining key players from its core squad.
The high-stakes drama set the tone for the auction and underscored the design importance of the reintroduced RTM card IPL 2025 Roster schedules.
