IPL 2026 Auction: From Dhoni, Kohli, Pant to.., list of Most Expensive Players in Every Year’s IPL Auction History

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A quick look at the highest-priced players in IPL auction history, showcasing massive bids, superstar value, and unforgettable big-money signings.

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MS Dhoni (2008, Rs 9.5 crore): MS Dhoni became one of the earliest headline-making buys in the 2008 IPL Auction, with his Rs 9.5 crore price reflecting his leadership value and rising impact on Chennai Super Kings.

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Ben Stokes (2017, Rs 14.5 crore): Ben Stokes dominated the 2017 IPL Auction when teams aggressively pursued his all-round brilliance, ultimately earning him a massive Rs 14.5 crore contract that immediately elevated expectations for his season.

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Kevin Pietersen (2009, Rs 9.8 crore):Kevin Pietersen’s Rs 9.8 crore price tag in the 2009 IPL Auction showcased his global star power, making him one of the most significant overseas signings during the tournament’s early competitive years.

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Ben Stokes (2018, Rs 12.5 crore): Ben Stokes again attracted huge attention in the 2018 IPL Auction, securing a Rs 12.5 crore bid as teams continued valuing his match-winning batting, impactful bowling, and game-changing overall presence.

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Andrew Flintoff (2009, Rs 9.8 crore): Andrew Flintoff matched Pietersen’s record in 2009, receiving a Rs 9.8 crore bid that highlighted his legendary all-rounder reputation and the anticipation surrounding his arrival in the Indian Premier League.

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Jaydev Unadkat (2019, Rs 8.4 crore): Jaydev Unadkat became one of the biggest Indian stories of the 2019 auction, earning Rs 8.4 crore after franchises aggressively targeted reliable left-arm pace options for crucial middle-overs breakthroughs.

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Shane Bond (2010, Rs 4.8 crore): Shane Bond’s Rs 4.8 crore signing in 2010 reflected both his express pace and his rare availability, making him one of the most anticipated overseas fast-bowling additions that IPL season.

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Varun Chakravarthy (2019, Rs 8.4 crore): Varun Chakravarthy’s Rs 8.4 crore buy in 2019 surprised many, as teams viewed his mystery spin and domestic performances as valuable assets capable of shifting momentum in critical match situations.

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Kieron Pollard (2010, Rs 4.8 crore): Kieron Pollard entered the IPL with huge expectations in 2010, receiving a Rs 4.8 crore bid that marked the beginning of his long, powerful, and highly influential career with Mumbai Indians.

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Pat Cummins (2020, Rs 15.5 crore): Pat Cummins topped the 2020 IPL Auction charts with Rs 15.5 crore, as franchises invested heavily in his world-class pace, leadership qualities, and consistent wicket-taking ability across all conditions.

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Gautam Gambhir (2011, Rs 14.9 crore): Gautam Gambhir’s Rs 14.9 crore signing in 2011 proved historic, as his leadership ultimately transformed Kolkata Knight Riders, making this one of the most successful big-money investments in IPL history.

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Chris Morris (2021, Rs 16.25 crore): Chris Morris made headlines in 2021 by becoming the most expensive buy that season, with Rs 16.25 crore reflecting his all-round skills and his reputation as a dependable death-overs performer.

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Ravindra Jadeja (2012, Rs 12.8 crore): Ravindra Jadeja secured Rs 12.8 crore in the 2012 auction, showcasing franchises’ growing trust in his balanced all-round qualities, sharp fielding, and ability to influence games in multiple impactful roles.

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Ishan Kishan (2022, Rs 15.25 crore): Ishan Kishan earned a huge Rs 15.25 crore deal in 2022, becoming one of the highest-priced young Indian talents as teams valued his explosive batting and long-term potential as an opener.

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Glenn Maxwell (2013, Rs 6.3 crore): Glenn Maxwell’s Rs 6.3 crore price in 2013 highlighted the demand for his unorthodox power-hitting and fearless approach, making him one of the most exciting and unpredictable buys of that season.

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Sam Curran (2023, Rs 18.5 crore): Sam Curran made history in 2023 with his Rs 18.5 crore deal, becoming one of the costliest players ever due to his versatility, left-arm swing, and finishing skills with both bat and ball.

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Yuvraj Singh (2014 and 2015, Rs 14 crore and Rs 16 crore): Yuvraj Singh’s Rs 14 crore and Rs 16 crore signings in 2014 and 2015 underscored his enormous star value and finishing ability, making him one of the auction’s most aggressively pursued Indian all-round options that season.

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Mitchell Starc (2024, Rs 24.75 crore): Mitchell Starc broke all previous records in 2024, earning a staggering Rs 24.75 crore bid as teams competed fiercely for his unmatched left-arm pace, big-game temperament, and wicket-taking expertise.

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Rishabh Pant (2025, Rs 27 crore): Rishabh Pant created history in 2025 with a massive Rs 27 crore bid, reflecting his comeback momentum, aggressive batting, leadership promise, and status as one of India’s most bankable modern superstars.

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Shane Watson (2016, Rs 9.5 crore): Shane Watson’s Rs 9.5 crore signing in 2016 highlighted his all-round dependability, with teams valuing his power-hitting, seam bowling, and proven ability to perform in pressure situations consistently.