KKR’s most expensive players in every IPL auction: Gautam Gambhir to Mitchell Starc

This Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) they often came close Indian Premier League (IPL) An auction with a strategy to secure explosive talent that led to the biggest price tags in franchise history. From the initial mega investment in a marquee player to the later match all-rounders and star pacers, it reflects KKR’s continued efforts to mix the most expensive seasonal buys with local talent to build a competitive roster.

The most expensive player of Kolkata Knight Riders bought in every IPL auction

1) 2008 to 2012: Marquee and Mega auction spends

• 2008: Sourav Ganguly (INR 2.4 crore) – In the opening auction, KKR made their ‘local hero’ and icon player the highest spender. This investment was primarily to establish him as the franchise’s first captain and cement the team’s local identity and fandom.
• 2009: Angelo Mathews (INR 2.6 Crore) – KKR wanted to add depth and an overseas bowler to their squad, Sri Lanka’s most expensive buy in 2009.
• 2010: Shane Bond (INR 4.8 crore) – The franchise successfully bid for the veteran New Zealand fast bowler. This high-value acquisition was aimed at providing world-class, experienced PACE pace for the bowling attack.
• 2011: Gautam Gambhir (INR 14.9 Crore) – In the 2011 Mega-auction, KKR made a historic purchase, spending a record amount for any player to secure an India opener. The investment was transformative, with a new captain and a true leader leading the way to their first two IPL titles.
• 2012: Brendon McCullum (INR 4.5 Crore) – Setting up the Core, KKR brought back the former star and explosive New Zealand Batsman through the auction, following him as a highly effective key and vital foreign player.

2) 2013 to 2017: strategic additions and comprehensive

• 2013: Sachithra Senanayake (INR 3.3 crore) – After defending the auction, the Sri Lankan spinner was KKR’s highest buy as they aimed to add a tactical spin option to their strong existing bowling line-up.
• 2014: Jacques Kallis (INR 5.5 crore) – KKR is spending big to acquire the strategically versatile South Africa African world. This acquisition proved crucial as Kallis became an integral part of the top order, playing a pivotal role in the 2014 title run and beyond.
• 2015: KC Cariappa (INR 2.4 crore) – In a surprising move, KKR have invested in a depraved ‘mystery’ spin that prioritizes mystery spin options and reflects a strategy of nurturing and supporting high-potential, unknown talent.
• 2016: Jaydev Unadkat (INR 1.6 Crore) – KKR India made the highest bid in this mini-auction. The investment was aimed at adding an in-house left-arm-PACE option to the bowling depth.
• 2017: Trent Boult (INR 5 Crore) – The franchise has made a significant investment in bringing in a world-class New Zealand fast bowler. This move is designed to complement KKR’s strong, left-arm pace options, spin attacks.

Read: RCB’s most expensive players in every IPL auction: Kevin Pietersen to Yuvraj Singh

3) 2018 to 2025: PACE and Power investment

• 2018: Chris Lynn (INR 9.6 Crore) – In the mega-auction, KKR used the highest bid to buy back the explosive Australian opener. The high price tag confirmed their faith in its ability to provide a quick start at the top of the order.
• 2019: Carlos Brathwaite (INR 5 Crore) – KKR spent a big Indian all-rounder as West Indian all-rounders, known for their power hitting and medium-pace bowling, looked to strengthen their finishing and add a strong option in the lower-middle order.
• 2020: Pat Cummins (INR 15.5 Crore) – This landmark transaction made the then most expensive foreign player the most expensive foreign player in IPL history. The investment was purely to secure a world-class, pace-bowling spearhead and proven international performer.
• 2021: Pat Cummins (INR 15.5 Crore) – It was actually the most expensive purchase for KKR in 2021 Pat Cummins throw again INR 15.5 crores (protected value from 2020) and Shakib Al Hasan was the highest new get used to INR 3.2 crores.

Note: 2021: Shakib Al Hasan (INR 3.2 crore) – The most expensive new buy brings back KKR’s experienced Bangladeshi all-rounder with the aim of adding a bowling all-rounder for the balance.

• 2022: Shreyas Iyer (INR 12.25 Crore) – In the mega-auction, KKR made a definite investment to acquire the Indian Batsman, who immediately named the new team captain, symbolizing a major long-term strategic shift to new leadership.
• 2023: Shakib Al Hasan (INR 1.5 crore) – KKR has re-prioritised the Trusted Bangladesh all-rounder in the auction. Although the price was modest, he was the highest priced auction for the season brought in to provide experienced cover and balance in the middle order.
• 2024: Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 Crore) – KKR smashed all auction records to secure the Australian fast bowler, making him the most expensive player in IPL history, making it a definite statement to acquire an elite, adaptable pace bowler.
• 2025: Venkatesh eats (INR 23.75 crore) – In a critical move to secure key Indian talent, KKR used their top spend in the auction (or key bid / rtm mechanism) to protect or re-acquire or re-acquire the explosive Indian key and fast environment. This high price underlines the irreplaceable value of the team due to its top order and balance.

Read: CSK’s most expensive players in every IPL Auction: Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Stokes