IPL auction: Costliest players ever bought by each IPL team
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a hotspot for drama, intensity, and jaw-dropping bidding wars. Every season, franchises push the limits to secure game-changing talent, leading to some of the most sensational auction-room moments in cricket.
Over the years, each team has made at least one blockbuster signing that sent shockwaves across the cricketing world and set social media ablaze.
This list highlights only the highest-priced players bought at the auction, excluding retentions, trades, and icon players designated between 2008 and 2010. These mega signings underscore not just player value but also a franchise’s hunger to dominate India’s biggest cricket spectacle.
- IPL’s Costliest Icons (Team-wise Highest Buys)
- CSK: Ben Stokes – ₹16.25 crore
- DC: Yuvraj Singh – ₹16 crore
- GT: Jos Buttler – ₹15.75 crore
- KKR: Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 crore
- LSG: Rishabh Pant – ₹27.75 crore
- MI: Cameron Green – ₹17.5 crore
- PBKS: Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 crore
- RCB: Kyle Jamieson – ₹15 crore
- RR: Chris Morris – ₹16.25 crore
- SRH: Pat Cummins – ₹20.5 crore
For Chennai Super Kings, the most expensive addition remains England all-rounder Ben Stokes at ₹16.25 crore, a deal that made headlines across the cricketing world. Delhi Capitals’ costliest pick dates back to the purchase of Yuvraj Singh for ₹16 crore — a moment that reinforced his enduring star power.
Gujarat Titans strengthened their batting by acquiring Jos Buttler for ₹15.75 crore, while Kolkata Knight Riders broke records with the stunning ₹24.75 crore signing of Mitchell Starc, one of the priciest deals the tournament has ever witnessed.
However, the biggest splash came from Lucknow Super Giants, who made history with the ₹27.75 crore acquisition of Rishabh Pant, their highest-ever spend on a player. Mumbai Indians also showcased boldness with their ₹17.5 crore investment in Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.
Punjab Kings continued their reputation for high-stakes bidding by securing Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s top purchase remains Kyle Jamieson at ₹15 crore, while Rajasthan Royals made waves with Chris Morris, signing him for ₹16.25 crore.
Sunrisers Hyderabad also joined the elite list of big spenders by bringing in Australian skipper Pat Cummins for ₹20.5 crore, a deal that captured global attention.
Across seasons, one pattern remains clear: in the IPL, a single high-impact signing can reshape a team’s destiny — and these monumental purchases stand as proof.