IPL: In the first IPL auction back in 2007, attention centered on MS Dhoni just after he guided India to win the T20 World Cup. Known for his bold leadership and powerful late-game hitting, demand for him surged instantly. Bidding escalated fast; Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and others kept raising offers without pause.
A sharp tension filled the air since landing Dhoni wasn’t merely signing talent, it meant gaining a leader able to shape an entire team’s character. Finally, Chennai Super Kings stayed ahead of others, winning him for nearly ₹6 crore, a high price back then. This instant shifted how IPL evolved. With Dhoni as the core, CSK claimed several trophies while growing one of cricket’s most devoted followings. Bidding chaos over Dhoni stands out, marking the start of thrilling player auctions in IPL.
Kieron Pollard Ignites a ₹3.47 Crore War
In the 2010 IPL auction, Kieron Pollard sparked one of the league’s most intense bidding battles. Coming off strong showings in the Champions League T20, he was viewed as a match-winner, hard-hitting, useful with the ball, and quick on the field. When his turn arrived, tension filled the room. Teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders clashed fiercely, each eager to land the West Indies talent.
The bids rose fast till each team reached the highest price permitted by auction terms. Since there was no obvious victor, officials used an uncommon hidden tie-breaking method. In private, teams sent in confidential figures Mumbai Indians came out on top. This moment turned critical, and Pollard anchored MI’s dominance, scoring decisive runs and bowling key overs across ten seasons. The 2010 bidding clash is still remembered, showing how wild and fierce IPL auctions can be.
Yuvraj Singh’s ₹16 Crore Double Auction Drama
Yuvraj Singh was a big deal in the IPL. His 2014 and 2015 auction moments still stand out. Even though people doubted how steady he was, Royal Challengers Bangalore pushed hard that year, beating several teams to get him for ₹14 crore. Next season brought more tension. Delhi Daredevils, keen on landing a top local player, battled RCB and others in an intense bidding fight.
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The price jumped to ₹16 crore, turning Yuvraj into the costliest IPL player then. What stood out was the gap between his slipping performance versus teams betting on his image and big-game presence. Even when results fell short, the bids showed he still drew attention. Back-to-back high stakes became legendary, revealing how fame and charm can fuel bidding sprees despite facts.
Krishnappa Gowtham’s ₹6.2 Crore Auction Shock
The 2018 IPL auction saw an unforeseen spike in bids once Krishnappa Gowtham entered the ring. Mainly recognized as a Karnataka-based all-rounder, he hinted at potential but remained under the radar. Still, upon opening, teams like the Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals jumped in fast; others followed close behind.
A quiet start turned heated through rapid raises, until Rajasthan emerged victorious after a prolonged back-and-forth. They landed him for ₹6.2 crore, a sum far exceeding initial estimates. The surprise wasn’t only about the number, but also the trust placed in a newcomer, showing how teams sometimes bet on untested skill for key spots. To Gowtham, the bid meant everything, thrusting him forward and demonstrating that in the IPL, obscure players can still trigger fierce auctions.
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Mitchell Starc’s ₹24.75 Crore Auction Earthquake
The 2024 IPL auction saw a surprising surge when Mitchell Starc entered the fray, absent from the league for almost ten years. Known globally as an elite pacer, his entry sparked immediate interest; multiple teams jumped in without delay. Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and the Gujarat Titans competed fiercely not through collaboration but sheer determination. Bidding accelerated rapidly, surpassing ₹20 crore,
A mark recently achieved by Pat Cummins during that very event. Still, the competition intensified further instead of fading. Ultimately, Kolkata emerged victorious after a tense battle, acquiring Starc at ₹24.75 crore, a new benchmark in tournament history. The gamble consumed most of KKR’s purse, but it paid off as Starc’s pace and yorkers proved decisive in crunch moments. This auction battle remains iconic, symbolizing the IPL’s evolution into a high‑stakes spectacle where elite talent commands unprecedented sums.
Green’s ₹25.20 Crore Mega Battle
The 2026 IPL auction stunned fans the moment Cameron Green entered. Even though he’s been shining for Australia, no one saw bids climbing this high. The instant his name dropped, teams like KKR, RR, CSK, and MI clashed hard, each pushing offers higher. What tipped the scale? He bats deep, bowls seam, fields sharp; exactly what squads want when building a well-rounded side.
The offers climbed fast, breaking past earlier marks from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. With tension rising, Kolkata Knight Riders stayed in longest, landing Green at a stunning ₹25.20 crore, now the top bid ever for an international player in IPL. This battle showed how the tournament has shifted toward bold investments driven by versatile skill sets. To Green, it meant instant recognition, placing him among the league’s most valued stars.
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