The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular tournaments in the world.
Like European football leagues, the IPL franchises have been paying double or triple the market value to acquire the services of players in the auctions. In this article, we will look at the expensive players from the last five IPL seasons and how they fare for their respective franchises in that season.
How Did Expensive Buys in the Last Five IPL Seasons Fare?
In the last five seasons of IPL, a mix of overseas and domestic players has become the most expensive purchases. Some of the highest-paid players have disappointed fans and bettors alike in IPL betting, while a few had decent campaigns.
Here are the most expensive auction buys in the last five IPL seasons:
Sam Curran – IPL 2023 Auction
England all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive cricketer in IPL history when he was bought for a whopping ₹18.50 crore by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2023 auction. However, he had an ordinary IPL 2023. Curran played in all 14 matches, amassing 276 runs. With the ball, he grabbed ten wickets with best figures of 3/31 against Lucknow Super Giants. It is a relief for the Englishman that his IPL campaign didn’t bomb, unlike some of his predecessors.
Ishan Kishan – IPL 2022 Auction
In the IPL 2022 auction, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan became the most expensive player at the auction, with a price tag of ₹15.25 crore, which was paid to him by the Mumbai Indians. So, how did he fare? Ishan was his franchise’s top run-scorer with 418 runs at an average of 32. He scored three fifties, which included an 81 against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede. However, Mumbai Indians failed to reach the playoffs after finishing bottom of the points table.
Chris Morris – IPL 2021 Auction
Chris Morris set the auction tables on fire in the 2021 season. Rajasthan Royals snapped Morris for ₹16.25 crore. The Proteas all-rounder had a decent IPL 14. He took 15 wickets in 11 outings, finishing the season as the Royals’ highest wicket-taker. Against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai, Morris grabbed four wickets for 23 runs. However, he didn’t make much
Pat Cummins – IPL 2020 Auction
Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins grabbed the headlines in the IPL 2020 auction. Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for ₹15.5 crore. He played in all 14 matches for the franchise in the 2020 season. The pacer struggled for consistency and had to settle for just 12 wickets in the season. But Cummins made some
Jaydev Unadkat & Varun Chakravarthy – IPL 2019 Auction
In the 2019 auctions, Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy were the most expensive players. Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) shelled out ₹8.4 crore for Unadkat and Chakravarthy, respectively. The left-arm pacer played 11 games in which he accounted for ten wickets. Rajasthan Royals failed to reach the playoffs. On the other hand, Chakravarthy’s season was marred by a finger injury. He only featured in KKR’s second game of the 2019 edition and was sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
Concluding Thoughts
IPL 2020 and 2023’s most expensive players, Cummins and Curran, struggled, while Ishan and Morris did a decent job despite their franchises failing to pick up points consistently. What is clear is that there are no guarantees that the most expensive players will be the best performers in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IPL auction process?
The IPL auction process involves franchises bidding for players to add to their squad. The highest bidder gets the player.
Do all players go into the IPL auction?
Not all players go into the IPL auction. Some players are retained by their respective franchises, while others are released into the auction pool.
How does the IPL auction price
The IPL auction price can pressure players to perform but does not necessarily guarantee better performance.
What factors contribute to a player’s performance in the IPL?
Several factors contribute to a player’s performance in the IPL, including individual skill, team dynamics, and the pressure of the auction price.
What is the relationship between a player’s auction price and actual value?
A player’s auction price is not necessarily reflective of their actual value. A player’s true value is derived from their skill, consistency, and contribution to the team’s success.
What determines a player’s base price in the IPL auction?
The player decides a player’s base price in the IPL auction. It is the minimum price a player can buy during the auction.
Do the IPL franchises have a spending limit in the auction?
Yes, IPL franchises have a spending limit or a purse they can use in the auction. This amount is decided by the IPL governing council.
Why are some players retained by the franchises and not put up for auction?
Franchises retain players based on their performances, potential, and the strategic fit within the team. Retained players stay in the auction pool.
How are overseas players selected in the IPL auction?
Overseas players are selected in the IPL auction in the same way as domestic players. Franchises bid for players based on their needs, performance, and strategic fit.
What happens if a player does not perform up to expectations in the IPL?
If a player does not perform up to expectations in the IPL, the franchise may choose to release them into the auction pool for the next season.
Can a player be bought mid-season in the IPL?
No, a player cannot be bought mid-season in the IPL. All player acquisitions are done during the annual auction or trading windows.
What is the role of an IPL captain?
The role of an IPL captain is to lead the team on and off the field, make strategic decisions during matches, and liaise with the team management.
How is the MVP (Most Valuable Player) determined in the IPL?
The MVP in the IPL is determined based on the player’s performance throughout the season. Factors considered include runs scored, wickets taken, catches made, and overall match
Who won the IPL 2023?
The IPL 2023 was won by [Team name to be provided by the user].
What are the venues for the IPL matches?
The venues for the IPL matches are spread across various cities in India. Some matches are also held in the UAE, depending on the schedule decided by the IPL governing council.
Do IPL players undergo any special training?
Yes, IPL players undergo special training sessions organized by their respective franchises. These sessions focus on fitness, skills development, and strategy planning.
How does the weather affect IPL matches?
Weather can affect IPL matches in several ways. Rain can cause matches to be delayed or abandoned. The humidity and dew factor can also
What is the “Fair Play Award” in the IPL?
The “Fair Play Award” in the IPL is given to the team that has played the game in the best spirit throughout the season. It considers factors like conduct on the field, adherence to rules, and respect for opponents.
How are tie matches resolved in the IPL?
Tie matches in the IPL are resolved through a Super Over, where each team gets one over to score as many runs as possible. The team with the higher score in the Super Over wins the match.
How does the Duckworth-Lewis method work in IPL matches?
The Duckworth-Lewis method is used in IPL matches when rain or any other interruption reduces the number of overs in a game. It is a mathematical formula to calculate revised targets in interrupted limited-overs cricket matches.
