Most Expensive Players in IPL, The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen players fetching impressive sums during auctions each year. Below is a list of the most expensive players from 2008 to 2025, along with brief overviews of their contributions.
Here Are The List Of Year-Wise Most Expensive Players in IPL
18. 2008: MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) – ₹9.5 Crore
In the inaugural IPL season, MS Dhoni was the most expensive player, acquired by Chennai Super Kings for ₹9.5 crore. His leadership and consistent performance as a wicketkeeper-batsman were pivotal in establishing CSK as a dominant team in the league. Dhoni’s strategic acumen and calm demeanor under pressure earned him the nickname “Captain Cool,” and he led CSK to multiple IPL titles with Most Expensive Players in IPL.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | MS Dhoni |
| Team | Chennai Super Kings |
| Price | ₹9.5 Crore |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Nationality | Indian |
17. 2009: Kevin Pietersen (Royal Challengers Bangalore) & Andrew Flintoff (Chennai Super Kings) – ₹9.8 Crore
In 2009, both Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff were the top buys, each securing a ₹9.8 crore deal. Pietersen joined Royal Challengers Bangalore, bringing his aggressive batting style to the team. Flintoff, an all-rounder, was picked by Chennai Super Kings, adding depth to both their batting and bowling departments and he is the Most Expensive Players in IPL2009.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Kevin Pietersen | Andrew Flintoff |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Kevin Pietersen | Andrew Flintoff |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Chennai Super Kings |
| Price | ₹9.8 Crore | ₹9.8 Crore |
| Role | Batsman | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | English | English |
16. 2010: Shane Bond (Kolkata Knight Riders) & Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) – ₹4.8 Crore
In 2010, Shane Bond and Kieron Pollard were the Most Expensive Players in IPL, each fetching ₹4.8 crore. Bond, a fast bowler from New Zealand, was known for his express pace and wicket-taking abilities, making him a valuable asset for Kolkata Knight Riders. Pollard, an explosive all-rounder from the West Indies, joined Mumbai Indians, contributing significantly with both bat and ball and becoming a key player for the franchise.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Shane Bond | Kieron Pollard |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Shane Bond | Kieron Pollard |
| Team | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai Indians |
| Price | ₹4.8 Crore | ₹4.8 Crore |
| Role | Fast Bowler | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | New Zealander | West Indian |
15. 2011: Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders) – ₹14.9 Crore
In 2011, Gautam Gambhir became the Most Expensive Players in IPL when Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for ₹14.9 crore. As a seasoned opener and strategic leader, Gambhir’s captaincy transformed KKR’s fortunes, leading them to their first IPL title in 2012 and another in 2014. His consistent batting performances and tactical acumen were instrumental in the team’s success.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Gautam Gambhir |
| Team | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Price | ₹14.9 Crore |
| Role | Batsman |
| Nationality | Indian |
14. 2012: Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) – ₹12.8 Crore
In 2012, Ravindra Jadeja was the Most Expensive Players in IPL, with Chennai Super Kings securing his services for ₹12.8 crore. As a dynamic all-rounder, Jadeja contributed significantly with both bat and ball. His sharp fielding and ability to change the game’s course made him an invaluable asset for CSK.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ravindra Jadeja |
| Team | Chennai Super Kings |
| Price | ₹12.8 Crore |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | Indian |
Read More : Top 10 Unsuccessful Teams in IPL History
13. 2013: Glenn Maxwell (Mumbai Indians) – ₹6.3 Crore
In 2013, Glenn Maxwell was the Most Expensive Players in IPL, bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹6.3 crore. Known for his explosive batting and innovative shot-making, Maxwell added firepower to Mumbai’s middle order. His ability to play match-winning innings made him a valuable addition to the team.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Glenn Maxwell |
| Team | Mumbai Indians |
| Price | ₹6.3 Crore |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | Australian |
12. 2014: Yuvraj Singh (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – ₹14 Crore
In 2014, Yuvraj Singh became the Most Expensive Players in IPL when Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired him for ₹14 crore. As a celebrated all-rounder, Yuvraj brought experience and flair to the team. His powerful batting and useful bowling options added depth to RCB’s lineup.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Yuvraj Singh |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Price | ₹14 Crore |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | Indian |
11. 2015: Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils) – ₹16 Crore
In 2015, Yuvraj Singh again topped the auction charts, this time being bought by Delhi Daredevils for ₹16 crore. His reputation as a game-changer and his previous performances made him a sought and he is the Most Expensive Players in IPL in 2015.
Yuvraj Singh
| Year | Player | Team | Price (₹ Crore) | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh | Delhi Daredevils | 16 | Game-changer, strong past performances |
10. 2016: Shane Watson (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – ₹9.5 Crore
In 2016, Australian all-rounder Shane Watson was the most expensive player, acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹9.5 crore. Known for his powerful batting and effective medium-pace bowling, Watson added significant value to RCB’s lineup. His versatility made him a key player in both batting and bowling departments with this he is Most Expensive Players in IPL.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Shane Watson |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Price | ₹9.5 Crore |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | Australian |
9. 2017: Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiant) – ₹14.5 Crore
In 2017, English all-rounder Ben Stokes became the Most Expensive Players in IPL, purchased by Rising Pune Supergiant for ₹14.5 crore. Stokes made an immediate impact, scoring 316 runs and taking 12 wickets in the season. His match-winning performances justified his high price tag and showcased his all-round capabilities.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ben Stokes |
| Team | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| Price | ₹14.5 Crore |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | English |
8. 2018: Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals) – ₹12.5 Crore
In 2018, Ben Stokes again topped the auction charts, this time being acquired by Rajasthan Royals for ₹12.5 crore. Despite a less impactful season compared to the previous year, Stokes remained a valuable asset due to his all-round abilities and previous performances.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ben Stokes |
| Team | Rajasthan Royals |
| Price | ₹12.5 Crore |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | English |
Also Read : Top 10 Best Captains in IPL History
7. 2019: Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals) & Varun Chakravarthy (Kings XI Punjab) – ₹8.4 Crore
In 2019, both Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy were the Most Expensive Players in IPL, each fetching ₹8.4 crore. Unadkat, a left-arm pacer, was re-signed by Rajasthan Royals, while mystery spinner Chakravarthy was picked by Kings XI Punjab. Both players were expected to bolster their respective teams’ bowling attacks.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Jaydev Unadkat | Varun Chakravarthy |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Jaydev Unadkat | Varun Chakravarthy |
| Team | Rajasthan Royals | Kings XI Punjab |
| Price | ₹8.4 Crore | ₹8.4 Crore |
| Role | Bowler | Bowler |
| Nationality | Indian | Indian |
6. 2020: Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders) – ₹15.5 Crore
In 2020, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history at that time, being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹15.5 crore. Cummins was expected to lead KKR’s bowling attack with his express pace and wicket-taking abilities.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Pat Cummins |
| Team | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Price | ₹15.5 Crore |
| Role | Bowler |
| Nationality | Australian |
5. 2021: Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals) – ₹16.25 Crore
In 2021, South African all-rounder Chris Morris became the most expensive player in IPL history at that time, with Rajasthan Royals securing his services for ₹16.25 crore. Morris’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset for the team.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Chris Morris |
| Team | Rajasthan Royals |
| Price | ₹16.25 Crore |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | South African |
4. 2022: Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians) – ₹15.25 Crore
In 2022, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan was the Most Expensive Players in IPL, rejoining Mumbai Indians for ₹15.25 crore. Known for his aggressive batting at the top of the order, Kishan was expected to provide quick starts and stability to the team’s batting lineup.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ishan Kishan |
| Team | Mumbai Indians |
| Price | ₹15.25 Crore |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Nationality | Indian |
3. 2023: Sam Curran (Punjab Kings) – ₹18.5 Crore
In 2023, English all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive player in IPL history at that time, being acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹18.5 crore. Curran’s versatility with both bat and ball made him a valuable addition to the team with Most Expensive Players in IPL.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Sam Curran |
| Team | Punjab Kings |
| Price | ₹18.5 Crore |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| Nationality | English |
2. 2024: Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) – ₹24.75 Crore
In 2024, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹24.75 crore, setting a new record at that time. Known for his lethal pace and ability to take wickets both with the new ball and at the death, Starc was expected to significantly bolster KKR’s bowling attack Most Expensive Players in IPL.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Mitchell Starc |
| Team | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Price | ₹24.75 Crore |
| Role | Bowler |
| Nationality | Australian |
1. 2025: Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants) – ₹27 Crore
In 2025, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant became the Most Expensive Players in IPL, being signed by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore. Pant’s explosive batting and dynamic wicketkeeping skills made him a highly sought-after player, and LSG secured his services to strengthen their squad.
Player Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Rishabh Pant |
| Team | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Price | ₹27 Crore |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Nationality | Indian |
Conclusion
Over the years, the Indian Premier League has seen escalating bids for top players, reflecting the tournament’s growing popularity and the value franchises place on exceptional talent. From MS Dhoni’s ₹9.5 crore signing in 2008 to Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking ₹27 crore deal in 2025, the IPL continues to attract the world’s best cricketers with lucrative contracts.
FAQs
Q: Who was the most expensive player in the inaugural IPL auction in 2008?
A: MS Dhoni was the most expensive player in 2008, signed by Chennai Super Kings for ₹9.5 crore.
Q: Which player has fetched the highest price in IPL history?
A: Rishabh Pant holds the record for the highest price in IPL history, being acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore in 2025.
Q: Have any players been the most expensive in multiple IPL auctions?
A: Yes, Ben Stokes was the most expensive player in both 2017 and 2018, acquired by Rising Pune Supergiant and Rajasthan Royals respectively.
Q: Are there any bowlers among the most expensive IPL players?
A: Yes, bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins have been among the most expensive players in IPL auctions.
Q: How has the trend of player prices changed over the years in the IPL?
A: Player prices in the IPL have generally increased over the years, reflecting the league’s growing popularity and the increasing financial muscle of the franchises
