IPL auctions 2008-2019: The costliest player at each auction

IPL 2016: Shane Watson - INR 9.5 Crore

Shane Watson

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson proved to be the costliest player at the ninth edition of the IPL. With a stellar track-record for Rajasthan Royals, the Queenslander invited the highest bid of INR 9.5 crores from Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Watson proved to be a good buy for the franchise as he played a major role in helping the team reach the season’s finale. His presence not only gave RCB a bankable option in the foreign contingent but also bolstered the side’s balance immensely. Watson ended up as the season’s third highest wicket-taker and was retained for IPL 2017, where, he couldn’t quite match up to his previous heroics.

IPL 2017: Ben Stokes - INR 14.5 Crore

Ben Stokes

England’s Ben Stokes made a roaring entry into the IPL. The all-rounder, who set the cricketing fraternity abuzz with his high-profile skill set, was bagged for INR 14.5 crores by Rising Pune Supergiants, making him the biggest buy in 2017.

The move to bet huge stakes on the English cricketer paid rich dividends for RPSG as Stokes gave the franchise a bang for the buck. Scoring runs and picking wickets consistently, he ended the season with 316 runs and 12 wickets. In fact, Stokes was also awarded the season’s most valuable player award.