Most Expensive Player In IPL: List of the Highest Paid Player
The highest-bid player in the IPL always creates headlines, both before and after the game, because the expectations for the IPL’s most expensive player are very high. But who is the most expensive player in the IPL?
Summary & Key Takeaways
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Most Expensive IPL Player of All Time
Cricket has a storied history, evolving over centuries and giving rise to numerous legends, including some of the highest-paid players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
These players, known for their outstanding performance, leadership, and pivotal roles in their teams’ successes, command impressive salaries.
The most expensive player in IPL are expected to excel in their specialized roles, be it batting or bowling.
Their influence often transcends the playing field, contributing to team strategy, morale, and mentoring younger talent. Here’s a look at the most expensive player in IPL history:
| Rank | Player | Team | Price (INR) | IPL Year | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sam Curran | Punjab Kings | 18.50 crore | 2023 | All-rounder |
| 2 | Cameron Green | Mumbai Indians | 17.50 crore | 2023 | All-rounder |
| 3 | Ben Stokes | Chennai Super Kings | 16.25 crore | 2023 | All-rounder |
| 4 | Chris Morris | Rajasthan Royals | 16.25 crore | 2022 | All-rounder |
| 5 | Nicholas Pooran | Lucknow Super Giants | 16 crore | 2021 | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| 6 | Yuvraj Singh | Delhi Daredevils | 16 crore | 2015 | All-rounder |
| 7 | Rohit Sharma | Mumbai Indians | 16 crore | 2023 | Batsman |
| 8 | Ravindra Jadeja | Chennai Super Kings | 16 crore | 2023 | All-rounder |
| 9 | Rishabh Pant | Delhi Capitals | 16 crore | 2023 | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 10 | Ishan Kishan | Mumbai Indians | 15.25 crore | 2022 | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| 11 | Kylie Jamieson | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 15 crore | 2022 | All-rounder |
| 12 | Ben Stokes | Rising Pune Supergiant | 14.5 crore | 2017 | All-rounder |
| 13 | Deepak Chahar | Chennai Super Kings | 14 crore | 2020 | Bowler |
| 14 | Yuvraj Singh | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 14 crore | 2014 | All-rounder |
| 15 | Shreyas Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders | 12.25 crore | 2022 | Batsman |
Sam Curran: IPL Costliest Player of All the Time
In the IPL 2023 auction, Sam Curran set a historical record as the most expensive player in IPL 2023 and along history, with bought by Punjab Kings for ₹18.5 crore.
However, his all-round performance was remarkable, scoring 350 runs in 13 matches with a high score of 55, hitting 17 sixes, and taking 18 wickets.
Other Highest IPL Player Price
Cameron Green
The 2023 IPL auction witnessed other significant signings alongside Sam Curran. Cameron Green, a rising star, was snapped up by the Mumbai Indians for a hefty ₹17.5 crore.
Green’s debut season was nothing short of spectacular. In 13 matches, he dazzled fans by scoring 452 runs, which included a stunning century, and taking 6 wickets.
His ability to hit 22 sixes with a striking rate of 160.28 not only made him a fan favorite but also served as proof of why he is one of the highest paid IPL players.
Ben Stokes
However, not all IPL highest bid player shown impressive returns. Ben Stokes, acquired by the Chennai Super Kings for an impressive ₹16.25 crore, found himself restrained by limited opportunities.
Even though his name appeared on the list of most expensive players in IPL, his presence in the season was brief, spanning just two matches.
In these games, he managed to score only 15 runs and, unfortunately, did not take any wickets.
Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran, bought by the Punjab Kings for ₹16 crore in 2021, brought a different flavor to the game. Over 23 matches, he amassed 348 runs, with his best score being a robust 75.
Becoming one of the costliest player, Pooran, hit a remarkable 30 sixes, though he did not bowl in the season, and primarily serving as a wicket-keeper batsman.
His performance underscored the unique roles players can play in enriching their team’s dynamics and IPL’s exciting gameplay.
Year Wise Most Expensive Player in IPL
Over several years, cricket enthusiasts and analysts have been fascinated by numerous players who have broken records in terms of their price tags.
In this section, we will going beyond and present a list of the highest bid players in the IPL by year.
| Year | Player and Team | Price (INR) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sam Curran (Punjab Kings) | 18.50 crore | All-rounder |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians) | 15.25 crore | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| 2021 | Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals) | 16.25 crore | All-rounder |
| 2020 | Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 15.5 crore | Bowler |
| 2019 | Jaydev Unadkat (RR), Varun Chakravarthy (KXIP) | 8.4 crore | Bowler, Bowler |
| 2018 | Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals) | 12.5 crore | All-rounder |
| 2017 | Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiant) | 14.5 crore | All-rounder |
| 2016 | Shane Watson (Royal Challengers Bangalore) | 9.5 crore | All-rounder |
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils) | 16 crore | All-rounder |
| 2014 | Yuvraj Singh (Royal Challengers Bangalore) | 14 crore | All-rounder |
| 2013 | Glenn Maxwell (Mumbai Indians) | 6.3 crore | All-rounder |
| 2012 | Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) | 12.8 crore | All-rounder |
| 2011 | Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 14.9 crore | Batsman |
| 2010 | Shane Bond (KKR), Kieron Pollard (MI) | 4.8 crore | Bowler, All-rounder |
| 2009 | Kevin Pietersen (RCB), Andrew Flintoff (CSK) | 9.8 crore | All-rounder, All-rounder |
| 2008 | MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) | 9.5 crore | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
Who is The Most Expensive Player in IPL Year Wise?
Sam Curran, previously mentioned as the most expensive player in IPL, may not have outshined his peers in performance.
But his record price is a proof to his pivotal role in England’s T20 World Cup victory and his leadership as a stand-in captain for the Punjab Kings.
This reflects the high expectations placed on him to significantly influence his team’s league performance.
Other Highest IPL Player Price per Year
Ishan Kishan
Following Curran in the list of year-wise most expensive IPL players is Ishan Kishan. Representing Mumbai Indians in the 2022 season, Kishan exhibited remarkable batting prowess in 14 matches.
Accumulating 418 runs, including a high of 81, he maintained an impressive strike rate, highlighted by 45 fours and 11 sixes.
His contributions were instrumental in his team’s overall efforts. However, Ishan Kishan also became one of the highest-priced IPL players based in India.
Pat Cummins
In the third spot of year-wise most expensive player in IPL is Pat Cummins, whose going with Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020 highlighted his all-round abilities.
Though his batting included a rapid high score and an aggressive strike rate, it was his bowling that stood out. Cummins secured 12 wickets, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable bowler.
Chris Morris
Chris Morris, occupying the fourth place, left his mark with Rajasthan Royals, for ₹16.25 crore in the 2021-2022 season.
Morris’ contribution was more balanced. Over 11 matches, he scored 67 runs and shone with the ball by taking 15 wickets.
His performance was a showcase of his skills as an all-rounder, making significant contributions with both bat and ball.
He had a batting strike rate of 136.7 and an average of 13.40, while his bowling average stood at 25.06 with a strike rate of 16.40.
Chris Morris not only etched his name on the year-wise list of highest bid players in the IPL but also wrote his name on the list of most expensive players in IPL history.
Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy
The fifth place of highest IPL player price is shared by two players, with Jaydev Unadkat with Rajasthan Royals and Varun Chakravarthy with Kings XI Punjab.
In IPL 2019, Jaydev Unadkat overcame initial challenges to deliver a strong performance in a crucial match for the Rajasthan Royals.
In contrast, Varun Chakravarthy’s IPL journey in the same year with Kings XI Punjab was short-lived. He played only one match, in which he bowled 18 balls, conceding 35 runs and taking one wicket.
Most Expensive Indian Players in IPL History
India has made a significant mark in cricket history, nurturing stars with remarkable performances, including Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, among others.
But who is the most expensive Indian player in the IPL? Here is a list of the highest-paid IPL players from India:
| Year | Player and Team | Price (INR) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils) | 16 crore | All-rounder |
| 2023 | Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians) | 16 crore | Batsman |
| 2023 | Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) | 16 crore | All-rounder |
| 2023 | Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals) | 16 crore | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians) | 15.25 crore | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| 2020 | Deepak Chahar (Chennai Super Kings) | 14 crore | Bowler |
| 2014 | Yuvraj Singh (Royal Challengers Bangalore) | 14 crore | All-rounder |
| 2014 | Dinesh Karthik (Delhi Daredevils) | 12.50 crore | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| 2022 | Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 12.25 crore | Batsman |
Who is the Most Expensive Indian Player in IPL?
Topping the list as the “most expensive Indian player in IPL” is Yuvraj Singh, who was acquired by Delhi Daredevils for an impressive ₹16 crore.
During his stint in the IPL 2015 season, Yuvraj played 14 matches, scoring 248 runs with a top score of 57, and taking a single wicket.
The player who stands at number 6 on the list of most expensive players in IPL history hit 23 fours and 10 sixes, with an average of 19.08 and a strike rate of 118.10.
Despite his efforts, the Delhi Daredevils concluded the season 7th in the league stage.
Other Indian Highest Paid IPL player
Rohit Sharma
Following Yuvraj in the second spot is Rohit Sharma, who was part of a significant deal with Mumbai Indians at the same price of ₹16 crore.
In IPL 2023, Sharma played 13 matches, amassing 332 runs with a high score of 65, including 17 sixes. Quiet impressive performance by one of the most expensive player in IPL, who bought for 16 crore.
However, this season was marked as a lean period for him, characterized by an uncharacteristic series of low scores, including a stretch of five consecutive single-digit scores.
His overall average stood at 20.75, a notable dip from his usual standards of IPL highest bid player.
Ravindra Jadeja
The third position on the list of highest paid IPL players is occupied by Ravindra Jadeja, another ₹16 crore acquisition by Mumbai Indians.
Jadeja’s contribution in his 14 matches was noteworthy: he scored 204 runs with a best of 25 and claimed 20 wickets.
His batting was occasionally explosive, with a peak strike rate of 285.71 in a match, and he contributed 9 sixes over the season.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, who was secured by Delhi Capitals for ₹16 crore, holds the fourth position on the most expensive player in IPL, who based on India.
However, his journey in IPL 2023 was cut short due to multiple injuries from a road accident on December 30, 2022.
Consequently, Pant couldn’t participate in the season, and in his absence, David Warner led the Delhi Capitals.
Why All-Rounder Become the Most Expensive Role in IPL?
As what the list shown above, that the fact which All-rounder is the most significant role that appear on the list. The next question is why all-rounder becoming most important or at least the most expensive role in IPL?
Versatility and Dual Contributions
All-rounders offer value in both batting and bowling. This versatility means a team can benefit from their contributions in both aspects of the game, making them highly valuable assets.
In T20 cricket, where the game can shift rapidly, having players who can adapt and contribute in multiple ways is crucial.
Player such as Sam Curran, who became the most expensive player in IPL 2023 auction, exemplifies this trait.
He set a record for best T20I figures and was named the Player of the Tournament in the 2022 T20 World Cup due to his outstanding performance with both bat and ball.
Balance in the Team Composition
All-rounders help balance the team composition. They can fill gaps in batting or bowling departments as needed, providing teams with more flexibility in their playing XI.
This is particularly important in a tournament like the IPL where team combinations can vary greatly depending on conditions and opponents.
Chris Morris, who was the most expensive player in IPL 2021 auction, showcased his ability to balance the team.
By ending the first half of the tournament as the third-highest wicket-taker and playing key roles in batting during crunch situations.
Limited Overseas Player Slots
IPL teams are limited in the number of overseas players they can include in their playing XI. This is one of the reason why many all-rounder becoming the most expensive player in IPL.
All-rounders, especially those from overseas, are highly sought after as they provide more value for a single overseas slot, allowing teams to maximize the impact of their foreign players.
Players like Ben Stokes and Shane Watson, who have been among the highest-paid players in various IPL seasons, have been crucial for teams due to their ability to perform multiple roles, maximizing the value of limited overseas slots.
Impactful in Key Moments
All-rounders often have the ability to change the game both with the bat and ball. They can turn matches around with a quick burst of runs or a crucial spell of bowling, especially for the fast-paced T20 format.
Players like Andre Russell known for his ability to change the course of a game with his explosive batting and effective bowling.
His high batting strike rate and significant wicket tally have made him a game-changer in many matches.
Strategic Advantage
Having quality all-rounders allows teams to be more unpredictable and flexible with their strategies.
They can be used in various positions in the batting order and can bowl in different phases of the game, which makes it harder for opponents to plan and strategize against them.
Ravindra Jadeja, with his all-around abilities, has provided strategic flexibility to Chennai Super Kings.
He has been a consistent performer with both bat and ball, and his exceptional fielding adds an extra edge to his team’s strategy.
Market Demand and Scarcity
Quality all-rounders are relatively rare in cricket compared to specialist batsmen or bowlers, is it why many all rounder becoming the most expensive player in IPL.
This scarcity increases their demand in auctions, driving up their price as multiple teams bid for these valuable players.
The high demand and scarcity of quality all-rounders are reflected in the high auction prices of players like Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, who have been consistent performers and vital cogs in their respective teams over many seasons.
Success Stories and Precedents
The success of all-rounders in previous IPL seasons and other T20 leagues around the world has set a precedent, showing their value in contributing to team victories.
Most of the teams are often willing to invest heavily in such players, hoping for similar success as the players.
Player such as Shane Watson’s impressive IPL career, with significant contributions in both batting and bowling for teams like Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, set a precedent for the high value of all-rounders in the IPL.
Final Words on Most Expensive Player In IPL
Being the most expensive player in the prestigious IPL is an outstanding title and accolade, as that player becomes the face of the team, the anchor, and plays a significant role in the match.
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Historically, many of the highest paid IPL players are all-rounders, marking this role as significant in the duels on the field due to their versatility.
After revealing the most expensive player in IPL 2023, the question arises: Who will be the next IPL’s costliest player in 2024? How many teams are willing to spend and create another episode in the saga of the highest IPL player prices?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When the IPL 2024 auction will start?
The IPL 2024 auction is scheduled to take place in Dubai on December 19, 2023. This mini-auction, a day-long event, marks the first time an IPL auction will be held overseas. The auction will be streamed live on Star Sports and Jio Cinema in India, with availability on various platforms worldwide.
