Most Expensive IPL Player in Each Season

Every year, the IPL Auction brings some surprising picks that cast joy to some players while some players are left unsold in the auction. This year, Mitchell Starc became the most expensive buy in IPL History claiming a whooping amount of 3.1 million dollars by the KKR. Here we have listed the most expensive IPL players in each season:

IPL 2008 – MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings): The inaugural season set the stage for the league’s legacy, and in 2008, MS Dhoni emerged as the costliest player. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured the services of the charismatic Indian captain for a whopping $1.5 million, establishing a trend of big-money deals for star players.
IPL 2009 – Kevin Pietersen (Royal Challengers Bangalore): England’s dynamic batsman, Kevin Pietersen, fetched the highest bid in 2009, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) acquiring him for $1.55 million. Pietersen brought flair and power-hitting to the RCB lineup, making him a prized asset for the season.

IPL 2010 – Shane Bond (Kolkata Knight Riders): New Zealand’s pace sensation, Shane Bond, became the most expensive player in 2010, snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for $750,000. Bond’s ability to generate pace and swing made him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a lethal fast bowler.
IPL 2011 – Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders): The Indian opener, Gautam Gambhir, commanded a hefty sum of $2.4 million in the 2011 auction, making him the most expensive player. Gambhir’s leadership skills and consistent batting performance justified the Kolkata Knight Riders’ significant investment.
IPL 2012 – Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings): All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stole the show in 2012 as Chennai Super Kings secured his services for a whopping $2 million. Jadeja’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset for the defending champions.

IPL 2013 – Glenn Maxwell (Mumbai Indians): Australian powerhouse Glenn Maxwell entered the IPL scene with a bang in 2013, attracting a winning bid of $1 million from Mumbai Indians. Maxwell’s explosive batting and handy off-spin added a dynamic dimension to the Mumbai lineup.
IPL 2014 – Yuvraj Singh (Royal Challengers Bangalore): The flamboyant Indian all-rounder, Yuvraj Singh, fetched the highest bid in 2014, with Royal Challengers Bangalore securing his services for a whopping $2.33 million. Yuvraj’s ability to provide both batting firepower and a left-arm spin option made him a sought-after player.
IPL 2015 – Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils): Yuvraj Singh once again topped the charts in 2015, this time picked up by Delhi Daredevils for a massive $2.67 million. Despite the high price tag, Yuvraj’s brand of aggressive batting and experience continued to attract franchises.

IPL 2016 – Shane Watson (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Australian all-rounder Shane Watson commanded a significant bid of $1.98 million from Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016. Watson’s all-round abilities made him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a versatile player.
IPL 2017 – Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiant): English all-rounder Ben Stokes became the costliest player in IPL history in 2017, with Rising Pune Supergiant securing his services for a staggering $2.16 million. Stokes’ dynamic skills with both bat and ball made him a game-changer.
IPL 2018 – Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals): Ben Stokes once again fetched a significant bid in 2018, this time from Rajasthan Royals for $1.96 million. Despite being a touch lower than his 2017 price, Stokes remained a high-profile acquisition for the Royals.

IPL 2019 – Varun Chakravarthy (Kolkata Knight Riders): In a surprising turn of events, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy emerged as the most expensive player in 2019, with Kolkata Knight Riders securing his services for a whopping $1.2 million. Chakravarthy’s unique skill set made him a sought-after prospect.
IPL 2020 – Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders): Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins set a new record in 2020, becoming the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders secured Cummins for a jaw-dropping $2.18 million, highlighting the premium placed on top-quality fast bowling.
IPL 2021 – Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals): In the 2021 auction, South African all-rounder Chris Morris entered the record books as the most expensive player in IPL history. Rajasthan Royals secured Morris for a staggering $2.24 million, making him the costliest buy to date.