IPL auctions 2008-2019: The costliest player at each auction

Different players drew attractive bids across all the twelve auctions of the IPL
Different players drew attractive bids across all the twelve auctions of the IPL

Ever since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has held its ground as the world’s most significant domestic cricketing leagues. Apart from proving to be a breeding ground for many talents, the tournament has also staked its claim as one of the richest sporting leagues in the world. From paying handsome amounts to the players to churning out staggering revenues, the cash-rich league has teed off right from the word go on the financial front as well.

On that note, we take a look at the players who ended up fetching the highest bids at each of the IPL auctions from 2008 to 2019.


IPL 2008: MS Dhoni - INR 6 Crore

MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni

The inaugural auction of the tournament had MS Dhoni emerging as the hottest property on the show. The former Indian skipper was bagged by Chennai Super Kings for INR 6 crores, which was the highest sum paid to any player in 2008 IPL.

Taking charge of the team amid much hype and frenzy, Dhoni essayed one of the most successful IPL stories as he forged a treasurable bond with CSK and its base city, Chennai. The famed cricketer grew synonymous with the franchise and has led it to three IPL titles and two Champions League titles thus far.

2009: Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff - INR 7.35 Crore

Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen

Former English superstars Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff fetched fancy numbers at the IPL auction in 2009. Debuting in the cash-rich league in 2009, the flamboyant cricketers piqued interest among multiple franchises as they went all guns blazing trying to get the best bets.

In the end, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings walked away as the successful bidders as they purchased Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff respectively at $1.55 million (approx INR 7.35 crores). However, much to the disappointment of millions of fans, the duo couldn't quite manage to justify the hefty amounts raised, as both the cricketers failed in delivering goods consistently.

IPL 2010: Kieron Pollard and Shane Bond - INR 3.42 Crore

Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard

West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard and New Zealand's ace fast bowler Shane Bond attracted the maximum bids at the IPL auction in 2010. While an impressive outing in the Champions League 2010 helped the former's case, the latter's chances were bolstered by his stellar track record as a menacing new-ball bowler.

With both the players drawing fierce competition from several franchises, it was left to an undisclosed tie-breaker to decide the final say. As things turned out, Pollard joined the ranks of Mumbai Indians while Bond signed a deal with Kolkata Knight Riders.

IPL 2011: Gautam Gambhir- INR 11.04 Crore

Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir

While the first three editions of the IPL saw the highest bids range within single figures (in crores), the fourth season set a new benchmark as the double-digit mark was breached for the first time.

India's Gautam Gambhir fetched a whopping bid of INR 11.04 crores from Kolkata Knight Riders and ended up shepherding the team on a successful path for the ensuing eight editions of the tournament. The Delhi-based cricketer led the team from Kolkata to two title wins and forged an emotional bond with the city of joy.

IPL 2012: Ravindra Jadeja - INR 9.72 Crore

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja

India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was a hot-favorite during the bidding sessions for the fifth edition of the IPL. The southpaw drew competent bids from many corners and, once again, a secret tie-breaker helped Chennai Super Kings nudge ahead of Deccan Chargers in procuring him.procuring him.

Jadeja later went on to become a vital cog in Dhoni's team from down South. Chipping in regularly with handy runs and timely wickets, the all-rounder was a consistent feature of CSK before the team was disbanded. The Saurashtra cricketer, however, was gained back by the yellow brigade when it returned to the limelight in 2018.

IPL 2013: Glenn Maxwell - INR 5.3 Crore

Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell

The sixth auction of the IPL saw Australia's Glenn Maxwell emerge as a million-dollar baby. The Aussie all-rounder, thanks to his hard-hitting abilities, invited a winning bid from Mumbai Indians after Sunrisers Hyderabad yielded in a fierce bidding war.

However, much to the disappointment of MI's fans, Maxwell failed in living up to the hype as he ended up scoring just 36 runs in 3 games for the men in blue. He was subsequently released by Mumbai Indians in the following auction where he was picked up by Kings XI Punjab.

IPL 2014: Yuvraj Singh - INR 14 Crore

Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh stood out as the talking point of the IPL 2014 auction. The Indian superstar broke new ground when he was purchased at an astonishing price of INR 14 crores by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The southpaw had a decent season as he scored 376 runs and ended up as RCB's second-highest run-getter of the season. Yuvraj's stint with the franchise also consisted of a few blistering knocks that were reflections of his best self. However, despite an impressive show that included three half-centuries, Yuvraj Singh was released by RCB ahead of the next auction.

IPL 2015: Yuvraj Singh - INR 16 Crore

Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj continued his dream run at the IPL auctions as he once again emerged as the top bet in 2016. The auction saw Delhi Daredevils shell out a whopping INR 16 crores to bag the charismatic Indian cricketer.

Given the enormity of the bid generated, stakes were naturally high on Yuvraj Singh to perform well and help Delhi put a spirited show at the tournament. The pressure, however, seemed to play the spoilsport as the left-handed batsman failed in shouldering his responsibility for the franchise. Yuvraj ended up with just 248 runs in 14 games for DD and was once again released by the franchise for the next season.

IPL 2016: Shane Watson - INR 9.5 Crore

Shane Watson
Shane Watson

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson proved to be the costliest player at the ninth edition of the IPL. With a stellar track-record for Rajasthan Royals, the Queenslander invited the highest bid of INR 9.5 crores from Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Watson proved to be a good buy for the franchise as he played a major role in helping the team reach the season’s finale. His presence not only gave RCB a bankable option in the foreign contingent but also bolstered the side’s balance immensely. Watson ended up as the season’s third highest wicket-taker and was retained for IPL 2017, where, he couldn’t quite match up to his previous heroics.

IPL 2017: Ben Stokes - INR 14.5 Crore

Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes

England’s Ben Stokes made a roaring entry into the IPL. The all-rounder, who set the cricketing fraternity abuzz with his high-profile skill set, was bagged for INR 14.5 crores by Rising Pune Supergiants, making him the biggest buy in 2017.

The move to bet huge stakes on the English cricketer paid rich dividends for RPSG as Stokes gave the franchise a bang for the buck. Scoring runs and picking wickets consistently, he ended the season with 316 runs and 12 wickets. In fact, Stokes was also awarded the season’s most valuable player award.

IPL 2018: Ben Stokes - INR 12.5 Crore

Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes

Exceptional returns in the tenth edition of the IPL meant that Ben Stokes was once again among the thick of the things at the eleventh auction of the tournament. The flamboyant all-rounder had numerous teams competing for him before Rajasthan Royals walked away with the honors at a bid of INR 12.5 crores.

Much to the disappointment of the RR fans, Stokes couldn’t continue his rich vein of form and failed to deliver for the franchise. The cricketer had a patchy tournament as the Royals couldn’t reap much out of his abilities either with bat or ball. However, given his pedigree as a game-changer, RR has reposed faith in Stokes and has retained him for the upcoming season.

IPL 2019: Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy - INR 8.4 Crore

Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy

The latest auction of the IPL had quite a few surprises in store. While the likes of Hashim Amla, Brendon McCullum, and Chris Woakes went unsold, a few newcomers stole the thunder with fancy bids.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who rose to fame with his antics in the TNPL, stunned the experts as he struck an incredible bid of INR 8.4 crores with Kings XI Punjab. While KXIP gambled big bucks on the youngster, Rajasthan Royals chose to pin their hopes on Jaydev Unadkat, who was also purchased for INR 8.4 crores.

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Edited by Sujith M