Since its beginning in 2008, IPL has been the most glamorous T20 tournament that paved ways for the expansion of franchise T20 cricket all over the globe. IPL, filled with pop and grandeur, has also amassed opportunities for players to earn a huge amount of money that changes their life. 

However, there have been many instances all over the years where renowned players and youngsters have received big money to provide their services to the franchises. Teams have splashed cash and groundbreaking deals were made. In this article, Sportzpoint presents the most expensive sold players in the IPL Auction over the years.

Most expensive sold players in the IPL Auction over the years

2008 – MS Dhoni to Chennai Super Kings – 9.5 Cr INR

The inaugural Indian Premier League witnessed an young Mahendra Singh Dhoni receive a huge amount of 9.5 crore from Chennai Super Kings who finalized the bid. Dhoni captained Indian team in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and he was one of the most demanded prospect of the first-ever IPL auction. Dhoni went to write a fairytale with CSK, winning 5 IPL trophies for the franchise. 

2009 – Kevin Pietersen to Royal Challengers Bangalore, Andrew Flintoff to Chennai Super Kings – 9.8 Cr INR 

Both English youngsters received a huge fees of 9.8 crore INR each after prolonged battle of bidding in the auction of IPL 2009. Royal Challengers Bangalore came on top to sign Pietersen whereas Flintoff joined Chennai Super Kings for the second edition of IPL, both of them became the most expensive sold player that year. 

2010 – Shane Bond to Kolkata Knight Riders, Kieron Pollard to Mumbai Indians – 4.8 Cr INR 

New Zealand's legendary fast bowler Shane Bond became the most expensive sold player as he joined Kolkata Knight Riders fetching a huge amount of 4.8 crore INR. 

Kieron Polland, the legendary West Indies all-rounder was roped in by Mumbai Indians after finalizing his services for 4.8 crore INR. Pollard became a legend for Mumbai Indians, winning 5 IPL trophies with them and also one of the most fan-favorite players to play for the franchise. 

2011 – Gautam Gambhir to Kolkata Knight Riders – 14.9 Cr INR 

Gautam Gambhir became the most expensive cricketer in the IPL 2011 auction after receiving a massive amount of 14.9 crore INR bid from Kolkata Knight Riders. However, KKR did not have to wait long to be proved right as Gambhir captained the Kolkata side to their maiden IPL win in 2012 and won another IPL title in 2014. 

2012 – Ravindra Jadeja to Chennai Super Kings – 12.8 Cr INR 

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja bagged a huge bid of 12.8 crore INR from Chennai Super Kings. He became of the most expensive sold player of 2011 auction as CSK secured his services. Jadeja went to create his own legacy with the franchise, having won 3 IPL titles for CSK. 

2013 – Glenn Maxwell to Mumbai Indians – 6.3 Cr INR 

Mumbai Indians secured the services of Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for a bid of 6.3 crore INR. Maxwell, who was known as the 'Mad Max' back then for his explosive batting style, drew interest from many teams but Mumbai Indians came out on top.

2014 – Yuvraj Singh to Royal Challengers Bangalore – 14 Cr INR 

The man who was named the player of the tournament in 2011 World Cup, emerged as the most expensive cricketer to be sold in the IPL Auction of 2014. 'Yuvi' joined Royal Challengers Bangalore for a mammoth amount of 14 crore INR. 

2015 – Yuvraj Singh to Delhi Daredevils – 16 Cr INR 

Yuvraj Singh was the most sought-after player in the 2014 Auction, becoming the most expensive sold cricketer of the year. However, Yuvi acquired even more huge amount of money in 2015 auction as he joined Delhi Daredevils for a bid of 16 crore INR. He became the most expensive cricketer ever in the IPL auction history at the time. 

2016 – Shane Watson to Royal Challengers Bangalore – 9.5 Cr INR 

Royal Challengers Bangalore came out on top in the 2016 auction to sign the Australian all-rounder Shane Watson for a huge amount of 9.5 crore INR. Watson became the most expensive sold cricketer in the 2016 Auction. 

2017 – Ben Stokes to Rising Pune Supergiant – 14.5 Cr INR 

Rising Pune Supergiant entered the IPL premises for the first time in 2017 but did not fall short in case of splashing cash. The newly-formed franchise finalized the services of Ben Stokes, considered as one of the greatest English all-rounders. Stokes became the most expensive foreign cricketer in the IPL history at that time. 

2018 – Ben Stokes to Rajasthan Royals – 12.5 Cr INR 

Ben Stokes displayed a commendable dominance both with the bat and the ball in the 2017 IPL, amassing 312 runs and bagging 12 wickets. His brilliant performance made Rajasthan Royals splash the cash again for him as the made a bold bid of 12.5 crore INR which made Stokes the most expensive sold cricketer of the IPL Auction for the second consecutive time. 

2019 – Jaydev Unadkat to Rajasthan Royals, Varun Chakravarthy to Kings XI Punjab – 8.4 Cr INR 

Jaydev Unadkat, the young Indian pacer became a surprise for everyone as he fetched a bid of 8.4 Crore INR for him by Rajasthan Royals. He became most expensive sold player of the 2019 auction, jointly with the spinner Varun Chakravarthy who received a bid of the same amount by Kings XI Punjab. 

2020 – Pat Cummins to Kolkata Knight Riders – 15.5 Cr INR 

Pat Cummins broke the record of Ben Stokes to become the most expensive overseas player ever in the history of IPL auction. Kolkata Knight Riders made an epic bid of 15.5 crore INR to secure the services of the Australian fast bowler. 

2021 – Chris Morris to Rajasthan Royals – 15.25 Cr INR 

Rajasthan Royals did not hesitate to break the bank to acquire the South African all-rounder Chris Morris in the IPL 2021 auction, making him the most expensive sold cricketer ever in the history of IPL Auction. The Royals spent a whopping amount of 15.25 crore INR to break all the records. 

2022 – Ishan Kishan to Mumbai Indians – 15.25 Cr INR 

The young wicket-keeper batman Ishan Kishan stole all the limelights in the 2022 auction after Mumbai Indians bought him spending a mammoth amount of 15.25 crore INR.

2023 – Sam Curran to Punjab Kings – 18.5 Cr INR 

Punjab Kings went all out in the 2023 auction for the young English all-rounder Sam Curran, and they became successful in the pursuit after completing the buy with a whopping 18.5 Cr INR. Curran became the most expensive English cricketer ever in the history of IPL. 

2024 – Mitchell Starc to Kolkata Knight Riders – 24.75 Cr INR 

Every other previous records of spending huge amounts in the IPL auctions were shattered in the 2024 auction. Mitchell Starc broke all the records as Kolkata Knight Riders broke the bank to acquire the services of one of their former players and the Kolkata side splurged 24.75 crore INR to finalize the buy. The lethal Australian fast bowler was by far the most expensive sold cricketer ever in the history of the Indian Premier League at that time. 

The Indian Premier League is just around the corner with the tournament set to start on 22 March.

As usual, it is highly anticipated and is set to draw a huge viewing audience.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Which player has lost the most games in IPL history?

As we move towards the first fixture, between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, let’s take a moment to go back in time and see which batsmen have scored the most runs in IPL since 2018.

Most Runs in IPL (2018-2024)

8. Suryakumar Yadav | 2986 Runs

Suryakumar Yadav had his IPL debut in 2011 for MI. But he got his breakthrough in KKR under Gautam Gambhir but didn't perform up to that level. 2018 saw him return to the Mumbai Indians, where he made massive strides in his IPL career.

Surya has scored 2986 runs during this period in 84 games at an average of 35.55 and a strike rate of 148.71. He has two centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name. He struck 440 boundaries, including 331 fours and 109 sixes.

In 2023, he had his greatest IPL season, where he was appointed as the vice-captain of MI along with scoring 605 runs with a strike rate of 181.14 in 16 innings.

7. Sanju Samson | 2993 Runs

Rajasthan Royals' skipper and wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has always been a player to rely on in the IPL. He has scored 2993 runs during the 2018-2024 season with two centuries and 18 half-centuries.

IPL 2024 was one of the best seasons for Samson with the bat as he amassed 531 runs at an impressive average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46. He also led the team to the playoffs for the second time after taking over the reins in IPL 2021.

6. Jos Buttler | 3055 Runs

Jos Buttler comes sixth in the list scoring 3055 runs in 73 matches at an average of 41.85 and a strike rate of 147.80. He has seven centuries and 18 half-centuries to his name.

Buttler had an unforgettable 2022 season, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 863 runs at an average of 57.53 and a blistering strike rate of 149.05.

The England star smashed four centuries and four half-centuries, playing a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ journey to the final. His ability to accelerate and play match-winning innings made him one of the standout performers of the season.

5. Shikhar Dhawan | 3208 Runs

Shikhar Dhawan is fifth on the list of most runs in IPL since 2018. He has been a consistent run-getter over this period, crossing the 400-run mark each season from 2018 to 2024. 

Dhawan has 3208 runs in 83 games at an average of 38.65 and a strike rate of 133.56, including 2 hundred and 23 half-centuries, with the help of 367 fours and 82 sixes. 

His best season came in 2020 when he made 618 runs with 2 hundred and 4 fifties. 

4. Shubman Gill | 3216 Runs

Shubman Gill made his IPL debut in 2018 season and scored 3216 runs so far in 85 matches at an average of 37.84 and a strike rate of 135.70. 

Gill was the leading run-scorer of IPL 2023, amassing 890 runs in 17 matches at an impressive average of 59.33. His strike rate of 157.80 included 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries, with a highest score of 129. He also smashed 85 fours and 33 sixes throughout the tournament.

Gill’s heroics helped Gujarat Titans reach the 2023 final, making him a player to watch for many seasons to come.

3. Faf du Plessis | 3276 Runs

Faf Du Plessis, who guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the playoffs last season, has the most runs in IPL during 2018-2024 period. He has scored 3276 runs in 84 matches at an average of 39.01 and a strike rate of 140.04.

He was also sensational with the bat as he scored 438 runs in 2022 season. It came after a brilliant run with the bat in 2023 when he scored over 700 runs for RCB.

Prior to his stint with Bangalore, Du Plessis enjoyed a highly successful tenure with the Chennai Super Kings, winning IPL titles in 2018 and 2021. 

The Proteas batter boasts an impressive record in the overall tournament, scoring 4,571 runs in 145 matches, including 37 half-centuries.

Also Read: Most Wickets in IPL history

2. Virat Kohli | 3586 Runs

Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s struggles in recent seasons, Virat Kohli continued to shine with the bat in every season. He amassed 3586 runs since 2018 season at an average of 40.29 and a strike rate of 134.7, reminding everyone why he is one of the greatest batsmen in T20 cricket.

Kohli has four centuries and 25 half-centuries to his name. His IPL career has seen him hit 339 fours and 163 sixes during this period.

Kohli also scored the most runs in IPL in history with 8004 runs in 252 matches, including 8 centuries and 55 fifties.

1. KL Rahul | 3958 Runs

KL Rahul has hammered 3,958 runs in 79 matches since the start of IPL 2018. He has scored the most runs in IPL this period. 

The tally includes four tons and 33 fifties. Rahul is the only batter to slam 3,000-plus IPL runs in this period. Shikhar Dhawan (3,208), the only other batter to score 2,500-plus since IPL 2018, follows Rahul on this tally.

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has gone to achieve unprecedented success in global cricket scenario. Over its illustrious journey, the tournament has also accommodated several stars and match-winners.

The league is currently amid its eighteen edition and is all set to kick off on March 22. The 10 teams will lock horns against each other in a bid to clinch the title. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Captains of every franchise

So, before the start of the season let's take a look at the IPL facts that which player has lost the most games in IPL history.

IPL Facts | Most defeats for a player in IPL

1. Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli has played 252 matches from 2008-24, in which he has scored 8004 runs at a strike rate of 132.0 and an average of 38.7. 

Even though Virat is the highest run scorer in IPL history, there is also a statistic that he is also the cricketer who has lost the most matches in IPL.

2. Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik's name comes second in the list of players who lost the most matches in IPL. Karthik has scored 4842 runs at a strike rate of 135.4. He played for many IPL teams and finally retired while being a part of RCB.

3. Rohit Sharma 

The most successful skipper of the tournament– Rohit Sharma's name comes third in the list of players who have lost the most matches in IPL. He has played 257 matches in IPL, in which he has faced defeat in 119 matches. During this period, his bat has scored 6628 runs at a strike rate of 131.14.

Before shifting his base to the Mumbai franchise, Rohit was a part of the now-defunct Deccan Chargers side.

Also Read: Most Wickets in IPL history

4. MS Dhoni 

While MS Dhoni holds the record for playing the most matches in IPL, he is fourth in the list of players who have lost the most matches in IPL. Mahi has played 264 matches in IPL, in which he scored 5243 runs at a strike rate of 137.54 and an average of 39.13.

Mahi, who made Chennai champion 5 times, comes at number 6 in terms of scoring most runs.

5. Shikhar Dhawan 

Shikhar Dhawan, popularly known as Gabbar, comes at number 5 in the list. He has played 222 matches, in which he has faced defeat in 108 matches. During this time Dhawan has scored 6769 runs at a strike rate of 127.14 and an average of 35.26.

We have all heard multiple times that T20 cricket is a batter’s game. However, one thing is to be noted that it is a bowler who turns the game for his team most times. The teams across the world have understood the fact that they need a good set of bowlers to win a tournament. This is true in the biggest T20 tournament IPL as well.

Over the years, it has been seen that teams who possess quality bowlers perform quite well, while those who struggle in this department generally lag behind.

So, let's take a look at the bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Squads of every IPL team after the auction

Top 10 bowlers with most wickets in IPL history:

10. Ravindra Jadeja | 160* Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja is easily the most well-rounded cricketer India has ever produced. A major portion of his success needs to be credited to the IPL, as the Saurashtra superstar built his international career by learning in the IPL under cricketing greats like Shane Warne, MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, and others. 

Apart from missing the 2010 season, Ravindra Jadeja has played all the other seasons with him representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2012. He has played 240 games taking 160 wickets with the ball with an average of 30.40 and an economy rate of 7.62.

His generational fielding skills have also shined, as the 36-year-old has taken 103 catches in the competition, making him ‘The Ultimate All-rounder’ as he is the only player to have 1000+ runs, 100+ wickets, and 100+ catches, fulfilling his 3-dimensional abilities to the fullest. 

9. Jasprit Bumrah | 165* Wickets

Jasprit Bumrah, the game-changer of the game has put his name at no. 9 on this list of bowlers who scalped the most wickets in IPL history. Bumrah has been playing for Mumbai Indians since the 2013 season, in which the franchise bought him at a cheap price.

Bumrah has scalped 165 wickets in 133 games with an average of 22.51. Meanwhile, Bumrah has bowled at an economy rate of 7.30 in the franchise cricket league. This year he will be playing for MI again as the franchise retained him before the mega auction.

8. Lasith Malinga | 170 Wickets

Lasith Malinga, who is undoubtedly the greatest pacer in the IPL history has taken 170 wickets in 122 games he has played. Malinga averages 19.79 with the bowl and maintained an economy rate of 7.14 in the cash-rich league. 

Though 108 of these wickets have come in death overs where batters try to score at a faster pace and often get out in the process, still his overall numbers are too good to be questioned.

Malinga started playing for Mumbai Indians in the 2009 season, and last appeared in the 2019 season. His final over in the 2019 final was enough to prove his greatness even at that stage of his career.

7. Amit Mishra | 174 Wickets

The next bowler on the list is Indian leggie Amit Mishra who has picked 174 wickets in 162 games. The seventh-highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL, Mishra, went unsold in the mega auction of IPL 2025. 

He has recorded an impressive economy of 7.37 in the league and has been crucial in taking wickets in middle overs. However, previously he has played for Lucknow Super Giants.

6. Ravichandran Ashwin | 180* Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin is always known as a great bowler in Test cricket but he has also proved his ability in the shortest format of the game. Meanwhile, Ash comes at number six on this list of bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history. 

Ashwin also has picked 180 wickets in 212 matches with an average of 29.82. He has also maintained an economy rate of 7.12. 

Ashwin went on to play for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, and returns to the CSK fold after having featured for Rajasthan Royals for the last three seasons.

The Indian off-spinner was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs. 9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Ashwin had burst onto the scene in 2009 with CSK under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. He represented Super Kings till 2015 and was part of two title-winning campaigns, in 2010 and 2011. 

5. Sunil Narine | 180* Wickets

The next bowler on this is none other than the West Indies magician Sunil Narine. Narine has taken 180 wickets in 176 games with an average of 25.39 and bowls with an economy rate of 6.73. 

He has been a crucial member of the Kolkata-based franchise KKR, as the franchise won the league back in 2012, 2014, and 2024.

Narine has also played as an opener under Gambhir's captaincy. However, currently, he is with the KKR franchise as they retain the off-spinner before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 181* Wickets

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with 181 wickets is the fourth name in this list of players with the most wickets in IPL. Bhuvi has played in 176 matches in which he took those 181 wickets at an average of 27.23. However, he has bowled with an economy rate of 7.56 in the league. 

Meanwhile, Bhuvi will play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise as they bought him in the IPL 2025 mega auction at a whopping 10.75 crore price.

3. Dwayne Bravo | 183 Wickets 

Dwayne Bravo with 183 wickets is the third name on the list. He is the second pacer after Lasith Malinga on the list to take the most wickets in IPL. 

Bravo had been a vital cog in Chennai’s bowling lineup, particularly in the death overs. With MS Dhoni being captain, Bravo’s potential has been used very cleverly for the team’s benefit. 

The all-rounder has played 161 IPL games and averages 23.82 with the ball. 

He played his last IPL match in the 2022 season for Chennai.

2. Piyush Chawla | 192 Wickets

Piyush Chawla, who was bought by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2021 in the mini-auction is the second-highest wicket-taker in the league history. He has picked 192 wickets in 192 matches with an average of 26.60 and an economy being 7.96. 

Piyush Chawla has earlier featured for Chennai, Punjab, and Kolkata-based franchises in the cash-rich league.

Over the last two years, Chawla was the lead spinner for Mumbai Indians. But, no teams went for him in IPL 2025 auction.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal | 205* Wickets

Yuzvendra Chahal has taken the most wickets in IPL history. Chahal has played in 160 games in which he has scalped 205 wickets with an average of 22.44. Moreover, he has an economy of 7.84 in the league.

Previously Chahal has played for RCB till 2021 and this season he will be featuring the Rajasthan Royals as they bought him in the IPL mega auction.

Chahal was with Rajasthan Royals since the 2022 season, claiming 66 wickets in 46 games. He has also represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians earlier in the IPL. He is among the 19 bowlers to have claimed a hat-trick in the IPL.

The leg-break bowler also won the Purple Cap for being the leading wicket-taker during the 2022 season, with 27 wickets to his name in 17 games at an average of 19.51 and an economy of 7.75.

There are only 9 days left for the IPL 2025 event. 

The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League will start from March 22 with reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. 

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has been declared the captain of Punjab Kings.

Recall that Shreyas was bought by Punjab in the mega auction by paying Rs 26.75 crore. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Stats of every RCB captain so far in IPL

With this he became the second most expensive player in IPL history. 

Well, apart from Punjab, many teams have announced the name of their captain.

While releasing its retention list, Mumbai Indians had said that Hardik Pandya will remain the captain of MI next season. 

While Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the captain of CSK after the successful trial of IPL 2024, Pat Cummins would like to take SRH to the final for the second consecutive season.

Even though the performance of Gujarat Titans last season was disappointing, the team has once again shown confidence in Shubman Gill. 

Sanju Samson will lead the Rajasthan Royals team.

Rishabh Pant, who went from Delhi to Lucknow, is the most expensive player of IPL.

Lucknow bought him for Rs 27 crore. Pant will lead the Lucknow team.

On the other hand, Rajat Patidar was named the Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB name Rajat Patidar as their new captain

So far, Delhi Capitals remain the only team to not announce their captain. There are reports that KL Rahul has declined the captaincy of the team.

The five teams who will have new captains heading into IPL 2025 are: Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings.

IPL 2025 | Captains of Every Franchise

• Chennai Super Kings - Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Gujarat Titans - Shubman Gill
• Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant
• Mumbai Indians - Hardik Pandya
• Punjab Kings - Shreyas Iyer
• Rajasthan Royals - Sanju Samson
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar
• Sunrisers Hyderabad - Pat Cummins
• Kolkata Knight Riders - Ajinkya Rahane
• Delhi Capitals - Yet to be announced 

Gujarat Titans, who won the IPL 2022 title, is ready to participate in the upcoming season. 

In IPL 2025, Gujarat will play its first match against Punjab Kings on March 25 in Ahmedabad.

Shubman Gill will captain Gujarat in IPL 2025. He also captained this team last season. But GT could not make it to the playoffs of IPL 2024.

Also Read: IPL 2025 schedule of Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Titans had an underwhelming campaign in the previous season as they finished eighth on the table with just five wins in 14 matches.

Here is the full IPL 2025 Schedule of Gujarat Titans.

IPL 2025 Schedule of Gujarat Titans

1. March 25, Tuesday - Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings - 7:30 PM - Ahmedabad
2. March 29, Saturday - Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians - 7:30 PM - Ahmedabad
3. April 2, Wednesday - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans - 7:30 PM - Bengaluru
4. April 6, Sunday - Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans - 7:30 PM - Hyderabad
5. April 9, Wednesday - Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals - 7:30 PM - Ahmedabad
6. April 12, Saturday - Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans - 7:30 PM - Lucknow
7. April 19, Saturday - Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals - 7:30 PM - Ahmedabad
8. April 21, Monday - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans - 7:30 PM - Kolkata
9. April 28, Monday - Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans - 7:30 PM - Jaipur
10. May 2, Friday - Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - 7:30 PM - Ahmedabad
11. May 6, Tuesday - Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans - 7:30 PM - Mumbai
12. May 11, Sunday - Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans - 7:30 PM - Delhi
13. May 14, Wednesday - Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants - 7:30 PM - Ahmedabad
14. May 18, Sunday - Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings - 7:30 PM - Ahmedabad