The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a grand stage for Indian cricket players to shine, and the IPL auction plays a pivotal role in determining which players make it to the headlines. Before IPL 2025, a mega auction is scheduled at the end of this year, and as per the IPL’s three-year rule, this mega auction is expected to break some previous records.
In this article, we take a look at the top 5 most expensive Indian players sold in IPL history, with Yuvraj Singh still holding the crown as the highest-priced Indian player in the auction. Let’s explore the journey and stats of these players.
The IPL is more than just a cricket tournament. It’s a platform where players become stars, careers are made, and records are set. Every three years, the IPL holds a mega auction that allows teams to rebuild their squads. As we gear up for the IPL 2025 mega auction, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating whether previous records will be broken. Among these records, Yuvraj Singh’s staggering INR 16 crore bid by Delhi Daredevils in 2015 still stands unbroken, making him the most expensive Indian player in IPL history.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 Indian players who fetched the highest bids at IPL auctions and left their mark on the game.
2. Yuvraj Singh – The Most Expensive Indian Player
Price: INR 16 Crores (2015 Auction)
Yuvraj Singh’s legendary status in Indian cricket is undisputed. His heroics in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup made him a fan favorite. Despite his lackluster IPL records compared to his international achievements, Yuvraj commanded a whopping INR 16 crore bid in the 2015 IPL auction when Delhi Daredevils bought him.
In his IPL career, Yuvraj played 132 matches, scoring 2,750 runs and taking 36 wickets. Although his IPL journey wasn’t as illustrious as his international career, his record-breaking bid continues to be the highest for any Indian player.
3. Ishan Kishan – Mumbai Indians’ Star
Price: INR 15.25 Crores (2022 Auction)
The young and dynamic Ishan Kishan, hailing from Jharkhand, is one of India’s rising stars. Known for his explosive batting and agility behind the stumps, Kishan has delivered several match-winning performances for Mumbai Indians.
Mumbai Indians bought him for INR 15.25 crores in the 2022 auction, making him the second-most expensive Indian player in IPL history. Ishan has played a total of 105 matches in the IPL, amassing 2,644 runs in 99 innings with several impressive knocks under pressure.
4. Harshal Patel – The Bowling Sensation
Price: INR 11.75 Crores (2024 Auction)
Harshal Patel’s ability to deceive batsmen with his variations makes him one of the most sought-after bowlers in IPL. His impressive performances over the years earned him a huge bid of INR 11.75 crores by Punjab Kings in the 2024 IPL auction.
Harshal has played 106 IPL matches, taking 124 wickets with his deceptive slower balls and cutters. His adaptability and skill set have turned him into a reliable death-overs specialist.
5. Jaydev Unadkat – The Left-Arm Speedster
Price: INR 11.50 Crores (2018 Auction)
Jaydev Unadkat, the left-arm pacer from Gujarat, has seen his stock rise in the IPL due to his consistent performances. Rajasthan Royals bought him for INR 11.50 crores in the 2018 auction, making him one of the highest-paid Indian bowlers in IPL history.
Unadkat has played for multiple franchises in the IPL, tallying 99 wickets in 105 matches. Despite not cementing his place in the national team, Unadkat’s ability to swing the ball and pick up wickets in crucial moments has kept him in high demand.
6. Gautam Gambhir – KKR’s Captaincy Success Story
Price: INR 11 Crores (2011 Auction)
Gautam Gambhir’s IPL career is as significant as his international career, especially when it comes to his leadership. KKR splurged INR 11 crores to acquire him in the 2011 auction, a move that paid off as Gambhir led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.
With 158 matches and 4,217 runs in the IPL, Gambhir’s contributions were not limited to his batting. His captaincy and cricketing acumen helped shape KKR into a formidable team.
7. The Importance of IPL Mega Auctions
The mega auctions held every three years are crucial in reshaping IPL teams. These auctions allow franchises to rebuild their squads and bring in new talent. The auction prices reflect not just a player’s current form but also their potential, marketability, and team requirements.
8. Yuvraj Singh’s Unbroken Record
It’s been almost a decade since Yuvraj Singh fetched the highest-ever bid for an Indian player, and no one has surpassed it yet. His achievements in international cricket, combined with his brand value, made him a highly sought-after player in the 2015 auction. As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, it remains to be seen if anyone can break his record.
9. A Glimpse of the Upcoming IPL 2025 Auction
The upcoming IPL 2025 auction promises excitement, with many speculating whether a new record will be set. Players like Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad are expected to attract significant bids, potentially challenging Yuvraj’s record.
10. Conclusion
The IPL auction is where fortunes are made, and careers are reshaped. Yuvraj Singh’s record-breaking bid from 2015 remains iconic, but with the evolving nature of the game and the talent pool expanding, we might witness new records in the upcoming mega auction. Regardless, these top 5 Indian players have left an indelible mark on the IPL auction history.
11. FAQs
1. Who is the most expensive Indian player in IPL history?
Yuvraj Singh holds the record, sold for INR 16 crores in the 2015 auction.
2. What is the significance of mega auctions in IPL?
Mega auctions are held every three years, allowing teams to rebuild and acquire new talent.
3. How much did Yuvraj Singh earn in IPL 2015?
Yuvraj Singh was sold for INR 16 crores in the 2015 auction.
4. Which team bought Ishan Kishan for 15.25 crores?
Mumbai Indians bought Ishan Kishan for INR 15.25 crores in the 2022 auction.
5. What are the key factors influencing the auction price of IPL players?
A player’s form, marketability, team needs, and potential to perform under pressure influence their auction price.
