Which Players Were Bought at the Lowest Price in IPL Auctions?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some of the biggest bidding wars in cricket history, with players being sold for record-breaking amounts. However, not every great player starts with a high price tag. Many low-budget picks have gone on to become match-winners, proving that IPL auctions are full of surprises.
In this article, we look at players who were bought at the lowest price in IPL auctions but later became stars.
1. Jasprit Bumrah – ₹10 Lakh (MI, 2013) Lowest Price in IPL Auctions
- IPL Debut: 2013
- Current IPL Salary: ₹12 Crore (2025)
- Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Auction Price in 2013: ₹10 Lakh
Jasprit Bumrah was a complete steal for Mumbai Indians at just ₹10 lakh. Today, he is one of the best fast bowlers in the world and MI’s top match-winner.
2. Hardik Pandya – ₹10 Lakh (MI, 2015) 2nd Lowest Price in IPL Auctions
- IPL Debut: 2015
- Current IPL Salary: ₹15 Crore (2025)
- Teams Played For: Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans
- Auction Price in 2015: ₹10 Lakh
Hardik Pandya started as an uncapped player but soon became an IPL superstar and Indian team all-rounder. His low auction price was a massive bargain for MI.
3. Sunil Narine – ₹3.2 Crore (KKR, 2012)
- IPL Debut: 2012
- Current IPL Salary: ₹6 Crore (2025)
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Auction Price in 2012: ₹3.2 Crore
Narine turned out to be one of the best budget picks for KKR. His mystery spin has won several matches and IPL titles for Kolkata.
4. David Warner – ₹3.9 Crore (SRH, 2014)
- IPL Debut: 2009
- Current IPL Salary: ₹6.25 Crore (2025)
- Teams Played For: DC, SRH
- Auction Price in 2014: ₹3.9 Crore
David Warner became an IPL legend after being picked at a modest price by Sunrisers Hyderabad. He went on to win an IPL trophy and several Orange Caps.
5. Mohammed Siraj – ₹2.6 Crore (RCB, 2018) 3rd Lowest Price in IPL Auctions
- IPL Debut: 2017
- Current IPL Salary: ₹7 Crore (2025)
- Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Auction Price in 2018: ₹2.6 Crore
Mohammed Siraj has become RCB’s main pacer and an important part of Team India.
FAQs – 3rd Lowest Price in IPL Auctions
Who was the cheapest player in IPL auction history?
Jasprit Bumrah (₹10 lakh in 2013) and Hardik Pandya (₹10 lakh in 2015).
Which low-priced IPL player became a superstar?
Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and David Warner.
Has any ₹1 crore player won an IPL MVP award?
Yes, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell won the MVP award after being picked at budget prices.
What is the lowest price a player can be bought for in the IPL auction 2025?
The lowest base price for uncapped Indian players is ₹20 lakh, and for capped players, it generally starts at ₹50 lakh.
Have any low-priced players ever become stars in the IPL?
Yes, players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and T. Natarajan were initially bought at low prices and later became key players for their franchises and India.
Why do teams buy players at base price?
Teams often target uncapped or lesser-known talents who can fill specific roles or add depth to the squad without overspending.
Can low-price players earn more during the season?
While their contract amount remains fixed for the season, strong performances can lead to higher contracts in future auctions and endorsement opportunities.
Conclusion
The IPL auction is full of surprises — while big names often grab headlines with massive bids, several underrated or emerging players are picked up at base price and go on to deliver match-winning performances. These low-cost buys often turn out to be the most valuable assets for franchises, offering high returns on minimal investment. This proves that in IPL, talent and impact matter more than price tags, and a smart purchase can change the course of a season.
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