MOST EXPENSIVE INDIANS

The Indian Premier League auction has seen the likes of Yuvraj Singh rake up astronomical sums of money while several unknown players like Abhishek Nayar, Pawan Negi and Karn Sharma have not been far behind. Siddharth Vishwanathan compiles a list of most

2008

MS Dhoni Chennai Super Kings ~9.5 cr (approx) Performance: MS Dhoni was expected to break the bank in the 2008 auction following his ICC World T20 success in 2007. He became the most expensive player in the auction when he was picked by Chennai Super Kings. Since then, he has been an integral part of the team, leading the team to two IPL titles and Champions League trophies.

2010

Mohammad Kaif Kings XI Punjab ~1.5 cr (approx) Performance: Mohammad Kaif had last played for India in 2006. In Twenty20, he had a torrid time with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Thus, it was a surprise when he became the most expensive Indian buy in the auction. However, he could not contribute much and played his last IPL in the 2012 edition when he played for RCB again.

2011

Gautam Gambhir Kolkata Knight Riders ~15 cr (approx) Performance: kolkata Knight Riders were the laggards of the IPL, but in 2011, all changed. Gautam Gambhir became the first Indian to go past the 10 crore mark in the auction. Gambhir’s acquisition changed KKR’S fortunes and he led them to two titles in 2012 and 2014. With the bat, he has scored over 3,000 runs at an average of 31.6.

2012

Ravindra Jadeja Chennai Super Kings ~12.8 cr (approx) Performance: From being labelled the ‘Rockstar’ by Shane Warne during Rajasthan Royals days, Jadeja’s acquisition by CSK only enhanced his credentials. In his first season with CSK, he picked up a five-wicket haul and was one of the consistent performers for the side until 2015. After a stint with Gujarat Lions, Jadeja is set to shine for CSK again.

2013

Abhishek Nayar Sahara Pune Warriors ~4.8 cr (approx) Performance: He was touted as a great talent. Starting out with Rajasthan Royals and playing for Mumbai Indians, Nayar was the most expensive Indian buy in the 2013 auction for Sahara Pune Warriors but he flopped miserably, managing just 66 runs in 11 games. He played for Kings XI Punjab in 2014 but has since faded away from the scene.

2014

Yuvraj Singh Royal Challengers Bangalore ~14 cr (approx) Performance: India’s ultimate match-winner had a decent run for Kings XI Punjab. In 2011, after winning the World Cup, he was picked by Sahara Pune Warriors but in 2012, he missed the tournament as he was recovering from cancer. In 2014, Yuvraj became the most expensive buy in

IPL history for RCB and he did not disappoint, scoring over 300 runs at an average of close to 35 and a strike-rate of 135.

2015

Yuvraj Singh Delhi Daredevils ~16 cr (approx) Performance: Despite a good show for RCB, he was let go by the franchise and Delhi Daredevils only increased his value with another record buy. However, he failed to achieve consistency and he was brought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.

The left-hander played a vital cameo in the final against RCB as the David Warner-led side clinched their maiden title.

2016

Pawan Negi Delhi Daredevils ~8.5 cr (approx) Performance: Pawan Negi had a decent run with CSK in 2014-15, helping them win the Champions League T20 title in 2014. However, the left-arm orthodox spinner created a buzz when he was taken for a record sum by Delhi Daredevils. He flopped in 2016, taking just one wicket in eight games but returned stronger in 2017 with 16 wickets in 12 games.

2017

Karn Sharma Mumbai Indians ~3.2 cr (approx) Performance: He started his journey with RCB in 2009. However, when he became part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad in 2013, he formed a good combination with Amit Mishra. In 46 games, he picked up 36 wickets but in 2017, he was snapped up by Mumbai Indians. He responded well, taking 13 wickets in nine games including a haul of 4/16.