Most Expensive Player in Each IPL Auction

The Indian T20 league is widely famous for its grand spectacle and is the most popular league in the cricket world; it is world-famous because it features Indian as well as international cricket players. IPL is known for its high level of entertainment and global player appearances. The IPL auctions have witnessed the highest bids over the years for every top-notch player. Let’s have a look at the biggest and most expensive bids of players over the years, starting from 2008 to 2024.

2008: MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings): Rs 9.5 Crore

MS Dhoni was the first player to get the highest bid in the first season of the IPL. The former Indian captain became one of the most iconic personalities, leading CSK to multiple IPL victories

2009: Kevin Pietersen (Royal Challengers Bangalore) & Andrew Flintoff (Chennai Super Kings): Rs 9.8 Crore

In the year 2009, the IPL auction tables seemed to be in a bidding war for the two English players, Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff. The highest bid for Kevin Pietersen was from the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, and they led the team and later qualified for the champion trophies. On the other hand, Andrew Flintoff has been sold to the Chennai Super Kings for the same price as Kevin Pietersen for 9.8 crores.

2010: Shane Bond (Kolkata Knight Riders) & Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians): Rs. 4.8 Crore

In the 2010 Indian T20 League auction, Shane Bond and Kieron Pollard were the most expensive players, both sold for Rs. 4.8 crores each. A right-arm fast bowler from New Zealand has been sold to the Kolkata Knight Riders on the other side. Kieron Pollard, an explosive all-rounder from the West Indies, has been sold to the Mumbai Indians, and he is still part of the franchise. Both were the game changers for their respective teams.

2011: Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders): Rs 14.9 Crore

Gautam Gambhir was the most expensive player in the 2011 auction; the highest bid was from the Kolkata Knight Riders, who got a prize money of 14.9 crore. Gautam led the KKR to a couple of finals and won the league titles; he is one of the most successful captains in IPL history.

2012: Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings): Rs 12.8 Crore

In the year 2012, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja became the most expensive bid and was sold to the Chennai Super Kings for a straight Rs 12.8 crore to join the team. Jadeja’s consistent performances with both bat and ball are super helpful to the franchise. One of his best innings came in the 2023 IPL final when he scored 10 runs in the last 2 balls to get the 5th IPL title for CSK.

2013: Glenn Maxwell (Mumbai Indians): 6.3 Crore

Glenn Maxwell became the most expensive player in the 2013 Indian T20 League; Mumbai Indians bought him for Rs. 6.3 crore. It was not his year. Glenn doesn’t get many chances to show his skills and ability, as he played only 3 matches in the year 2013.

2014: Yuvraj Singh (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Rs 14 Crore

The king of sixes Yuvraj Singh was the most expensive player in the year 2014; Royal Challengers Bangalore came up with the highest bid of 14 crore. He was the second-highest run-getter for RCB in the season and later released by the franchise.

2015: Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils): Rs 16 Crore

Back to back, the king of sixes was the most expensive player in 2015; after the past season’s performance, the Delhi Daredevils got him for an even higher bid than first; he had been sold to for 16 crore straight

2016: Shane Watson (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Rs 9.5 Crore

Shane Watson, the Australian all-rounder, received a Rs 9.5 crore bid from Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2016 auction, which was the highest bid of the year. Watson’s explosive batting and handy bowling made him a valuable asset for the franchise. Although his performance in matches was not that impressive.

2017: Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiant): Rs 14.5 Crore

English all-rounder Ben Stokes set the Indian T20 League auctions on fire in both 2017 and 2018. Rising Pune Supergiant got him for Rs 14.5 crore. His performance throughout the season was impressive and helped RSP to reach the IPL finals.

2018: Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals): Rs 12.5 Crore

Ben Stokes joins the list to be the most expensive player for two years straight; the highest bid for Stokes was from the Rajasthan Royals for 12.5 crores.

2019: Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals) & Varun Chakravarthy (Kings XI Punjab): Rs 8.4 Crore

The 2019 auction witnessed a surprise as Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy became the joint-most expensive players, with bids of Rs 8.4 crore each from Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, respectively. Both of the players proved why they have gotten the highest bid.

2020: Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders): Rs 15.5 Crore

Australian pacer Pat Cummins set a new benchmark in the Indian T20 League auction history in 2020. Kolkata Knight Riders bid Rs 15.5 crore to secure Cummins, making him the most expensive overseas player ever in the Indian T20 League.

2021: Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals): Rs 16.25 Crore

South African all-rounder Chris Morris was the most expensive bid of the year; the Rajasthan Royals got him for 16.25 crores. The all-around was in high demand in the mini auction many teams bids to add him to their roster.

2022: Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians): Rs 15.25 Crore

Young Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan turned heads in the 2022 auction. Ishan Kishan sold to the Mumbai Indians for the straight 15.25 crores. Ishan was one of the top players from MI who scored the most runs in the season with stunning and powerful shots.

2023: Sam Curran (Punjab Kings): Rs 18.5 Crore

In the 2023 auction, all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive player, with a bid of Rs 18.5 crore from the Punjab Kings. Curran’s all-round abilities made him a prized asset for the franchise. This highest bid makes him one of the most expensive bids in IPL history.

2024: Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders): Rs 24.75 Crore

In 2024, Australian speedster Mitchell Starc surpassed all previous records and became the most expensive player in the Indian T20 League history. Kolkata Knight Riders made a jaw-dropping bid of Rs 24.75 crore to get Mitchell Starc in their squad.

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