The 10th edition of the Indian Premier League, VIVO IPL 2017 is fast approaching, and the one thing that inevitably catches the imagination of cricket lovers is the IPL auction. The IPL 2017 Auction will take place in Bengaluru on Monday, February 20, with 351 players set to go under the hammer. The auction for India’s premier domestic cricket competition grabs the eyeballs for the money involved and media frenzy it generates. So mark the VIVO IPL 2017 Auction date, February 20. Ahead of the exciting process, we must look at the most expensive players in India Premier League T20 history from 2008 to 2016. VIVO IPL 2017 schedule was announced on February 16 with complete match fixtures and venue details.
Indian Premier League, right from its inaugural edition in the year 2008 has attracted huge interest from cricket buffs and promoters. IPL Auctions have been an integral part of India’s biggest T20 cricketing tournament. From record deals to big names getting the boot, we have witnessed it all in previous nine IPL seasons. Here we look at the most expensive deals in the history of India Premier League.
1. Yuvraj Singh – Rs 16 crore paid by Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2015
Yuvraj Singh Delhi Daredevils IPL 2015 auction
The dashing left-handed batsman was brought for USD 2.67m (Rs 16 crore) by Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2015, which is a record buy, making him the most expensive player in the history of Indian Premier League. Yuvraj Singh surely knows how to rake in the moolah as he was also a record buy in the 2014 auction when the Royal Challengers Bangalore decided to pay $ 2.33 m (Rs 14 crore) for his services but to release him shortly due to poor form and fitness.
2. MS Dhoni – Rs 12.5 crore paid by Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL 2016
MS Dhoni IPL 2016 auction pune supergiants
MS Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings to glorious heights since the first season of Indian Premier League. But when the franchise came under the scanner with two-year suspension handed to Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni was made the poster boy of new team – Rising Pune Supergiants. The team owners paid a whopping Rs 12.5 crore to have the great leader Dhoni for new team RPS. This record deal makes MS Dhoni, one of the most expensive players sold in IPL auction till date.
3. Gautam Gambhir – Rs 11.05 crore paid by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2011
Gautam Gambhir IPL 2011 auction
When Kolkata Knight Riders shelled out USD 2.4m (Rs 11.05 crore) for its captain fantastic Gautam Gambhir in IPL 2011, many questioned the move. But Gambhir proved his detractors wrong helping his side secure two titles. It is safe to say, this deal is arguably the best when we take into account the attributes the player brought to the team.
4. Yusuf Pathan – Rs 9.66 crore paid by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2011
Yusuf Pathan IPL 2011 auction
The forgotten man of Indian cricket was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders for USD 2.1m (Rs 9.6 crore) in IPL 2011 to boost its middle order. The Baroda lad has been a mixed bag when it comes to delivering for his team. But in a Twenty20 format, you would always want a dangerous player like Yusuf Pathan in your team who can change the course of a game in a flash.
5. Robin Uthappa – Rs 9.66 crore paid by Pune Warriors in IPL 2011
Robin Utthappa IPL 2012 auction
The now terminated, Pune Warriors India made a statement by signing wicketkeeper-batsman Robin Uthappa for USD 2.1m (Rs 9.66 crore) in IPL 2011. The Bangalore lad was the leading run scorer for his team in that edition, but his heroics were overshadowed by his team’s inability to win matches. He is the only player to score 40+ in ten consecutive IPL matches.
6. Dinesh Karthik – Rs 12.5 crore paid by Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2014
Dinesh Karthik Ipl 2015 auction
The fact that Dinesh Karthik makes it to the list of top buys is surreal in itself. Delhi Daredevils paid USD2.08m (Rs 12.5 crore) in IPL 2014 auction window for his services but barring a few innings, Dinesh Karthik could never justify his price tag. In IPL 2015, he was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 10.5 crore but once again failed to put up a great show. He has since made it to several franchises, but his price has seen a gradual decline.
7. Rohit Sharma – Rs 9.2 crore paid by Mumbai Indians in IPL 2011
Rohit Sharma IPL 2011 auction
The Mumbai Indian skipper has had a similar impact on his team as Gautam Gambhir on KKR. Both the franchises got a leader in addition to a fantastic batsman. Mumbai snapped Rohit Sharma for a healthy USD 2m (Rs 9.2 crore) during 2011 auction window, and several brilliant performances have followed since then. Rohit guided his team to an Indian Premier League and Champions League double in 2013.
8. Ravindra Jadeja – Rs 9.2 crore paid by Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2012
Ravindra Jadeja IPL 2012 auction
His evolution from an unknown youngster with tremendous potential to a modern day superstar was completed when he was sold to Chennai Super Kings for USD 2 m (Rs 9.2 crore) in IPL 2012. Under the guidance of MS Dhoni, Sir Jadeja has grown in stature. His left arm spin and athletic fielding make him one of the most dangerous players around.
Records are meant to be broken. The list contains many T20 cricketing greats like Suresh Raina, Kevin Pietersen as well as newcomers Pawan Negi who shattered records in signing crore-deals in the IPL auctions every season. It will be interesting to see if Yuvraj Singh’s record of being the most expensive player in IPL history gets overshadowed in the coming IPL 2017 auction window. Get, set for IPL 2017 auction date this Monday, February 20.