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

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have contacted frequently Indian Premier League (IPL) The auction came with a strategy to secure explosive talent, resulting in some of the biggest price tags in their franchise history. From their early mega-investment in a marquee player to their later focus on match-winning all-rounders and star pacers, KKR’s most expensive seasonal purchases reflect their continued effort to blend star power with local talent to build a competitive roster.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ most expensive player bought in every IPL auction

1) 2008 to 2012: Marquee and mega auction spending

• 2008: Sourav Ganguly (INR 2.4 crore) – In the inaugural auction, KKR secured their ‘local hero’ and icon player, making him their biggest spender. This investment was primarily to appoint him as the franchise’s first captain and strengthen the team’s local identity and fan base.
• 2009: Angelo Mathews (INR 2.6 crore) – KKR made the Sri Lankan all-rounder their most expensive purchase in the 2009 mini-auction, as they looked to add depth to their squad and an overseas fast-bowling all-rounder option.
• 2010: Shane Bond (INR 4.8 crore) The franchise successfully bid for the experienced New Zealand fast bowler. The aim of this high-priced purchase was to secure a world-class, experienced fast bowler for their bowling attack.
• 2011: Gautam Gambhir (INR 14.9 crore) – In the 2011 mega-auction, KKR made a historic buy, spending a then record amount for any player to secure an Indian opener. The investment was transformational, gaining a new captain and a real leader who would guide them to their first two IPL titles.
• 2012: Brendon McCullum (INR 4.5 crore) – Having established their core, KKR brought back their former star and explosive New Zealand batsman through the auction, eyeing him as a high-impact opening batsman and a key overseas contributor.

2) 2013 to 2017: Strategic additions and all-rounders

• 2013: Sachitra Senanayake (INR 3.3 crore) – A year after entering the auction as defending champions, the Sri Lankan off-spinner was KKR’s biggest buy, aimed at adding a tactical spin option to their strong existing bowling line-up.
• 2014: Jacques Kallis (INR 5.5 Crore) – KKR spent big strategically to acquire the versatile South African all-rounder. The purchase proved crucial as Kallis became an integral part of their top order, playing a key role in their run to the 2014 title and beyond.
• 2015: KC Cariappa (INR 2.4 crore) – In a surprise move, KKR invested heavily in the uncapped ‘mystery’ spinner, reflecting their ongoing strategy of prioritizing powerful spin options and supporting high-potential, unknown talent.
• 2016: Jaydev Unadkat (INR 1.6 crore) – KKR made the Indian fast bowler their biggest buy in this mini-auction. The investment was aimed at adding an in-form domestic left-arm fast option to their bowling depth.
• 2017: Trent Boult (INR 5 Crore) – The franchise made a significant investment to bring in the world-class New Zealand fast bowler. The move was aimed at giving KKR a powerful, left-arm pace option to complement their spin attack.

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

3) 2018 to 2025: Investing in speed and power

• 2018: Chris Lynn (INR 9.6 crore) – In the mega-auction, KKR made its highest bid to buy back the explosive Australian opener. The high price tag confirmed their confidence in their ability to provide a fast start to the top of the order.
• 2019: Carlos Brathwaite (INR 5 crore) – KKR spent big on the West Indian all-rounder, known for his power-hitting and medium-pace bowling, to strengthen his finishing ability and add a strong overseas option in the lower-middle order.
• 2020: Pat Cummins (INR 15.5 crore) – This historic purchase made the Australian fast bowler the most expensive foreign player in IPL history at that time. This investment was solely to secure a world-class, fast bowling leader and proven international performer.
• 2021: Pat Cummins (INR 15.5 crore) – In fact, it was the most expensive purchase for KKR in 2021. pat cummins Again Rs 15.5 crore (value retained from 2020) and shakib al hassan his highest was New buy at Rs 3.2 crore,

Note: 2021: Shakib Al Hasan (INR 3.2 Crore) – In the most expensive new purchase, KKR brought back the experienced Bangladeshi all-rounder, aiming to add a quality spin-bowling all-rounder for balance.

• 2022: Shreyas Iyer (INR 12.25 crore) – In the mega-auction, KKR made a decisive investment to acquire the Indian batsman, who was immediately named the new team captain, marking a major long-term strategic shift towards the new leadership.
• 2023: Shakib Al Hasan (INR 1.5 crore) – KKR again gave priority to their trusted Bangladeshi all-rounder in the auction. Although the price was modest, he was their highest-priced auction purchase for the season, brought in to provide experienced cover and balance in the middle order.
• 2024: Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 crore) – KKR broke all auction records to secure the Australian fast bowler, making him the most expensive player in IPL history and giving a clear statement of intent to acquire an elite, match-winning fast bowler.
• 2025: Venkatesh Iyer (INR 23.75 crore) – In a significant move to secure its core Indian talent, KKR used its highest spend in the auction (or a major re-bid/RTM mechanism) to retain or re-acquire the explosive Indian opener and fast-medium all-rounder. This high price highlights his indispensable value to the team’s top order and balance.

Also read: CSK’s most expensive players in every IPL auction: From Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Stokes