The Indian Premier League is gearing up for the upcoming 2021 edition, the 14th edition of the cash-rich tournament. Ahead of another action-packed season, the traditional pre-season mini-auction ceremony was held in Chennai on Thursday.
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As usual, the auction attracted top bids for some of the top and unexpected players, while some historic purchases were made as well. On the same note, we take a look at the most expensive IPL auction buys to date.
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Glenn MaxwellThe Australian all-rounder had a flop season in 2020, where he could barely manage 108 runs in 11 innings at a horrific average of 15.42, while he failed to hit even a single six. Nonetheless, he managed to improve his performance at the international level, as three teams went all out for him. While he had a base price ₹2 crore, he was roped in by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping ₹14.25 crore, after an intense bidding war against Rajasthan Royals.
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Ben StokesIt was during the 2017 auction when Ben Stokes made history. Known for being a versatile T20 player, there was a massive bidding war for the Englishman, with as many as four franchises entered the war. Eventually, Rising Pune Supergiant came up with the highest bid, of ₹14.5 crore, against a base price of ₹2 crore.
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Gautam GambhirThe former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper was also a part of giant bids. During the 2011 mega auction, KKR was looking to overhaul its squad and bring in a dominant leader to lead the side forward. It went all out for Gambhir while Pune Warriors India and Kochi Tuskers Kerala, too, joined the bidding. Nonetheless, KKR was adamant on landing him and eventually settled for a whopping ₹14.9 crore, against a base price of ₹2 crore, as he became the highest buy during the auction. He eventually led the side for seven seasons and helped it win the title on two occasions.
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Kyle JamiesonThe New Zealand pacer was one of the stars during the 2021 auction. With a base price of ₹75 lakh and one of the country's fast-rising pace-bowling sensations, he was too in an exciting bidding war. With Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings fighting it out, it was once again RCB, who had the last laugh, with a bid of ₹15 crore, making him the most expensive Kiwi player to date.
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Pat CumminsThe Australian pacer was in colossal demand last season. With a base price of ₹2 crore, RCB and Delhi Capitals began the war. However, at the closing stages, KKR roped him in for a massive ₹15.5 crore, making him the most expensive Australian in the auction to date. He finished as the side's second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 12 from 14 at an economy of 7.86.
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Yuvraj SinghSpeaking of the most expensive Indian on the list, it was the former swashbuckling batsman, Yuvraj Singh. During the 2015 auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, he was involved in an intense war between Delhi Daredevils and RCB. Interestingly, RCB had owned him the previous season for ₹14 crore and released him after a mediocre performance. However, RCB involved itself in yet another intensive bidding war, surpassing the last season's value, which baffled many. Nonetheless, it was settled for ₹16 crore from DD, as he became the third-highest run-scorer for the side during the season.
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Chris MorrisThe final man on the list and the most expensive buy of all happens to be in the form of South African all-rounder Chris Morris. During the 2021 auction, against a base price of just ₹75 lakh, Mumbai Indians and RCB began it. However, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings took control during the latter stage, as RR finally settled for a mountainous ₹16.25 crore. He had finished as RCB's second-highest wicket-taker last season before being released, owing to some injuries.
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