3 times the Chennai Super Kings set the IPL auctions on fire

The euphoria surrounding the IPL auctions is just unparalleled. The fans are usually kept at the edge of their seats just like on any match-days until the final bid for a player is won. When Richard Madley, the auctioneer announces the name of a player the excitement and expectations soar high.

In such a carnival-like atmosphere, the Chennai Super Kings- the IPL side with an enormous fan-base has done something noteworthy. They have broken the auction records thrice by buying players for a record sum. Let us now relive those exciting moments.

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2008)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

When you talk about the IPL, you just cannot miss out on MS Dhoni's staggering records. Be it in the batting, wicket-keeping or captaincy, 'Captain cool' is right there on top. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was easily the most expensive player in the inaugural IPL auctions. His brand value witnessed an enormous surge, after guiding India to a memorable victory in the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007 in South Africa. The most interesting fact here is that it was his first ever assignment as the captain of Indian cricket team.

All the eight franchise owners were desperate to buy the former Indian skipper. In the end, it was the Chennai Super Kings who bought the charismatic Indian skipper for a then record of INR 6 crore. He led Chennai to the finals in the inaugural season, where they lost to the spirited Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals side. The Chennai Super Kings could not have started the IPL on a better note- acquiring Dhoni for a record sum and making it all the way to the finals. Dhoni led Chennai to two titles (2010 and 2011) and is currently the longest-serving IPL skipper. He continues to be the skipper of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

Andrew Flintoff (2009)

Andrew Flintoff

There was a huge tussle among all the eight franchises for acquiring the services of the former star English all-rounder, Andrew Flintoff during the 2009 IPL auctions. A player like Flintoff is an asset when it comes to the T20s and all the franchises realized his value and went for him at the auctions. He was at the peak of his career, especially during the latter half of the last decade. In the end, the Chennai Super Kings succeeded in signing the flamboyant Englishman for a then-record price of INR 7.35 crore.

Flintoff and his fellow teammate, Kevin Pietersen were the most expensive players of the second edition which took place in South Africa. But Freddie had a forgettable stint with the Men in yellow, playing just three games and leaving mid-way due to the knee injury. Flintoff scored 62 runs and took wickets in three matches he played for Chennai in the 2009 season. Nevertheless, it was just another season and another record auction signing by the Chennai Super Kings, who lost to the Royal Challengers in the semi-finals.

Ravindra Jadeja (2012)

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja represented the Rajasthan Royals, from 2008-2011 before moving onto the now-defunct, Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011. Dhoni, who realized the value of Jadeja wanted to have him in the Chennai Super Kings. He felt the need for a domestic player who can bat as well as bowl some useful spells. After a tough fight, the Chennai Super Kings managed to sign 'Rock-star' Jadeja for a whopping INR 9.8 crore during the 2012 IPL auctions. Thereby, Jadeja became the most expensive signing of the fifth season. Dhoni, who always believed in Jaddu's all-round abilities, made him a permanent fixture in the Chennai squad.

Jadeja, in turn, repaid his skipper's faith in him by consistently shining with both the bat and the ball. In the 2012 edition of the IPL, Jadeja scored 191 runs and took 12 wickets for CSK. Dhoni’s men lost in the finals at home in Chepauk against the dominant Kolkata Knight Riders side led by Gautam Gambhir. Nevertheless, it was another memorable season for CSK as well as their new record recruitment- Ravindra Jadeja.