The Indian Premier League (IPL) talks about ‘Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi’ which translates to ‘where talent meets opportunity.’ And it holds so true, with multiple less-heard domestic players, and even hidden gems, using the IPL platform to leave a mark. Once these uncapped players impress, they draw attention and longer bids at the auction table. This article looks at the top highest-paid uncapped players in IPL auction history.
5th highest-paid uncapped player: Varun Chakravarthy
The mystery spinner from Tamil Nadu is one of the mainstays of the Kolkata Knight Riders currently. However, he began his IPL career with the Punjab Kings in 2019. After a fierce bidding war, the Punjab-based franchise snapped up Chakravarthy for Rs. 8.4 crore. From a base price of Rs.20 lakh to over eight crore, Chakravarthy saw a humongous jump.
However, he featured in just a single match in the Punjab Kings’ 2019 IPL campaign after being sidelined due to an injury.
4th most expensive: Krunal Pandya
Before making his India debut, Krunal Pandya had not grabbed enough eyeballs. Mumbai Indians recognized his potential and got his services for Rs.2 crore in the IPL auction for the 2016 edition. Krunal had not featured in first-class cricket, but five-time IPL champions picked him.
After impressing the franchise owners, the uncapped player got retained by MI for a whopping Rs.8.8 crore through the Right to Match (RTM) facility in the IPL 2018 mega auction.
Rahul Tewatia takes the third spot
The cricketing world knows Rahul Tewatia for quite a few influential knocks at the death. The five sixes he smashed against Punjab King’s Sheldon Cottrell while playing for Rajasthan Royals will be forever etched in the IPL history. Before the IPL auction 2022 RR released him and we were in for a fierce bidding battle for the all-rounder.
Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat fought it out for Tewatia. Gujarat Titans ultimately bought the finisher’s services for a humongous Rs.9 crore.
Shahrukh Khan tied with Tewatia
Like Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan made headlines after being picked by the Punjab Kings for a whopping Rs.9 crore. Thus, the hard-hitter from Tamil Nadu remains tied with Tewatia in this list of the highest-paid uncapped Indian players.
Highest-paid uncapped player: Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL 2022. Lucknow Super Giants bagged the services of this pace bowler for a staggering Rs.10 crore, and Avesh delivered in the 2022 edition. He scalped 18 wickets in 13 games and helped LSG to reach the playoffs.
Also read: Transfers in IPL history: 5 Most expensive trade deals
