Most Expensive Players in IPL Auction: Year-by-Year Breakdown (2008–2025)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has redefined the value of cricket talent globally, and every year, franchises battle it out in the auction to grab the best players — often at jaw-dropping prices. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most expensive player in each IPL auction from 2008 to 2025, highlighting how bidding wars have evolved and who made the headlines.
Year-wise List of Most Expensive Players in IPL Auction
| Year | Player | Team | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | MS Dhoni | CSK | ₹9.5 Cr |
| 2009 | Kevin Pietersen | RCB | ₹9.8 Cr |
| 2010 | Shane Bond | KKR | ₹4.8 Cr |
| 2011 | Gautam Gambhir | KKR | ₹14.9 Cr |
| 2012 | Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | ₹12.8 Cr |
| 2013 | Glenn Maxwell | MI | ₹6.3 Cr |
| 2014 | Yuvraj Singh | RCB | ₹14 Cr |
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh | DD | ₹16 Cr |
| 2016 | Shane Watson | RCB | ₹9.5 Cr |
| 2017 | Ben Stokes | RPS | ₹14.5 Cr |
| 2018 | Ben Stokes | RR | ₹12.5 Cr |
| 2019 | Varun Chakravarthy | KXIP | ₹8.4 Cr |
| 2020 | Pat Cummins | KKR | ₹15.5 Cr |
| 2021 | Chris Morris | RR | ₹16.25 Cr |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan | MI | ₹15.25 Cr |
| 2023 | Sam Curran | PBKS | ₹18.5 Cr |
| 2024 | Mitchell Starc | KKR | ₹24.75 Cr |
| 2025 | Rishabh Pant | LSG | ₹27 Cr |
Analysis: How IPL Auctions Have Changed
- Early Years (2008–2012): Focused on marquee Indian players and a few overseas stars. Prices were moderate compared to recent years.
- Mid Era (2013–2018): Franchise strategies matured, with all-rounders like Yuvraj Singh and Ben Stokes commanding high prices.
- Recent Years (2019–2025): Prices skyrocketed. The rise of younger Indian talents like Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant shows franchises now invest heavily in long-term assets.
2025 Auction Highlight: Rishabh Pant Breaks the Bank
In a historic move, Rishabh Pant became the most expensive IPL player ever in 2025, with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) picking him for a staggering ₹27 Cr — beating Mitchell Starc’s record from just a year prior.
What Drives These Big Bids?
- Match-winning ability under pressure
- Proven T20 credentials
- All-round versatility (especially all-rounders and finishers)
- Leadership qualities and fan following
The IPL auction has become as exciting as the tournament itself. With each passing year, the stakes are rising and franchises are getting bolder in their spending. One thing is certain — records will continue to be broken, and fans can expect more surprises in future auctions!
