A Lookback at Most Expensive IPL Players from Each Auction

Kieron Pollard & Shane Bond

Kieron Pollard and Shane Bond (2010)- 4.8 crores

MI bought Pollard on the account of his all-round performance in the 2009 T20 World Cup at a price of US $750,000 (4.8 crores) whereas KKR bought the ace fast bowler, Shane Bond, at the same price.

The current limited-overs West Indies captain, Pollard has been an integral part of the Mumbai-based franchise since the very beginning. In the first season with the club, Pollard had a decent outing, scoring 273 runs in 14 matches at an astonishing strike-rate of 185.71. Since the first season, he has come a long way, winning the title four times- 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. In 148 IPL matches, Pollard has scored 2755 runs at 28.69. He has also contributed handsomely with the ball and taken 56 wickets.

Shane Bond helped KKR lift the team from the last spot in 2009 to the sixth spot in 2010 and took nine wickets in his eight matches with the club. Bond was one of the highlights for KKR, who were struggling and were in search of motivational performances.

Gautam Gambhir: Kolkata Knight Riders

Gautam Gambhir (2011)- 14.9 crores

KKR bought Gambhir at a whopping price of US $2.4 million (14.9 crores) and it proved to be one best buys for the franchise. Gautam Gambhir led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. In his first season for KKR, he scored 378 runs in 15 games at an average of 34.36 to put a stamp of authority with some gutsy performances.

After a remarkable performance in the final of the World Cup, doubts surrounding Gambhir’s qualities as a batsman were all done and dusted. He reveled in the responsibility of taking a bottom-table side at the top twice in three years displayed his strong character on and off the pitch.