Highest Paid Player in Each IPL Auction? The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been as famous for its auction dynamics as for its on-field action. Every year, franchises go all out to sign the most promising talent, often resulting in intense bidding wars and record-breaking price tags. Here’s a look at the highest-paid players in each IPL auction from 2008 to 2024, their franchises, and what made them so valuable.
Year-by-Year Breakdown Highest Paid Player in Each IPL Auction (2008-2024)
| Year | Player & Team | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | MS Dhoni (CSK) | 9.5 Crore |
| 2009 | Kevin Pietersen (RCB), Andrew Flintoff (CSK) | 9.8 Crore |
| 2010 | Shane Bond (KKR), Kieron Pollard (MI) | 4.8 Crore |
| 2011 | Gautam Gambhir (KKR) | 14.9 Crore |
| 2012 | Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) | 12.8 Crore |
| 2013 | Glenn Maxwell (MI) | 6.3 Crore |
| 2014 | Yuvraj Singh (RCB) | 14 Crore |
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh (DD) | 16 Crore |
| 2016 | Shane Watson (RCB) | 9.5 Crore |
| 2017 | Ben Stokes (RPS) | 14.5 Crore |
| 2018 | Ben Stokes (RR) | 12.5 Crore |
| 2019 | Jaydev Unadkat (RR), Varun Chakravarthy (KXIP) | 8.4 Crore |
| 2020 | Pat Cummins (KKR) | 15.5 Crore |
| 2021 | Chris Morris (RR) | 16.25 Crore |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan (MI) | 15.25 Crore |
| 2023 | Sam Curran (PBKS) | 18.5 Crore |
| 2024 | Mitchell Starc (KKR) | 24.75 Crore |
2008: MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) – ₹9.5 Crore
In the IPL’s debut season, MS Dhoni took the crown as the league’s highest-paid player. His signing laid the foundation for CSK’s dominance, with Dhoni’s cool-headed leadership and power-packed batting soon becoming legendary.
2009: Kevin Pietersen (RCB) & Andrew Flintoff (CSK) – ₹9.8 Crore
RCB and CSK made bold moves for two English stars, Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff. Though neither left a lasting impression, their arrival reflected the league’s global allure.
2010: Shane Bond (KKR) & Kieron Pollard (MI) – ₹4.8 Crore
KKR snagged New Zealand speedster Shane Bond, while MI brought in the dynamic West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard. Pollard, especially, would go on to become a core MI figure with his explosive play.
2011: Gautam Gambhir (KKR) – ₹14.9 Crore
KKR broke the bank for Gautam Gambhir, who repaid their faith by leading the team to IPL glory in 2012 and 2014, cementing his legacy in Kolkata.
2012: Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) – ₹12.8 Crore
CSK went big on Ravindra Jadeja, betting on his all-around potential. Jadeja’s versatility made him an indispensable part of the team.
2014 & 2015: Yuvraj Singh (RCB and DD) – ₹14 Crore & ₹16 Crore
Yuvraj Singh set back-to-back records for the highest price, yet his seasons were marked by inconsistent performances despite the hefty bids.
2016: Shane Watson (RCB) – ₹9.5 Crore
RCB invested in Shane Watson, the Aussie all-rounder, who contributed with both bat and ball, albeit inconsistently.
2017 & 2018: Ben Stokes (RPS and RR) – ₹14.5 Crore & ₹12.5 Crore
Ben Stokes commanded the highest bids two years in a row, proving himself as one of the league’s most valuable all-rounders.
2020: Pat Cummins (KKR) – ₹15.5 Crore
KKR splashed the cash on Pat Cummins, making him the most expensive overseas player, valuing his pace and his ability to score lower-order runs.
2021: Chris Morris (RR) – ₹16.25 Crore
Chris Morris set a new record, becoming the highest-paid player at the time, although his performance on the field didn’t fully meet expectations.
2022: Ishan Kishan (MI) – ₹15.25 Crore
MI’s investment in the young wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan showed their commitment to youth, banking on his aggressive and promising talent.
2023: Sam Curran (PBKS) – ₹18.5 Crore
All-rounder Sam Curran became the top pick with his reliability and consistent performances, a testament to his growing stature in world cricket.
2024: Mitchell Starc (KKR) – ₹24.75 Crore
In a record-breaking move, KKR signed Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for an unprecedented ₹24.75 crore, marking the highest bid in IPL history.
Will this record be broken? Comment and let us know.
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