KKR's Most Expensive Signings in IPL Auction History

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have always been one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, they have made some big-money signings in the auction, acquiring top players to bolster their squad. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top five bids made by KKR in IPL auction history.

1. Mitchell Starc - ₹24.75 crore ($2.9 million) in IPL 2024 Auction

The highest bid ever made by KKR in an IPL auction was for Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc. In the IPL 2024 auction, KKR secured Starc's services for a whopping ₹24.75 crore ($2.9 million). Starc, known for his deadly pace and ability to swing the ball, was expected to be a game-changer for KKR. Unfortunately, he had to pull out of the tournament due to an injury, which was a major setback for the franchise.

2. Pat Cummins - ₹15.5 crore ($1.8 million) in IPL 2020 Auction

In the IPL 2020 auction, KKR made headlines by acquiring the services of Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins for ₹15.5 crore ($1.8 million). Cummins, known for his aggressive pace and ability to take wickets, was expected to lead the KKR bowling attack. He lived up to the expectations, delivering some exceptional performances throughout the season and proving to be a valuable asset for the team.

3. Gautam Gambhir - ₹11.04 crore ($1.3 million) in IPL 2011 Auction

One of the most successful captains in IPL history, Gautam Gambhir was acquired by KKR for ₹11.04 crore ($1.3 million) in the IPL 2011 auction. Gambhir's leadership skills and ability to score runs consistently made him an invaluable asset for KKR. Under his captaincy, KKR won two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league.

4. Yusuf Pathan - ₹9.66 crore ($1.15 million) in IPL 2011 Auction

Another key signing for KKR in the IPL 2011 auction was the hard-hitting all-rounder Yusuf Pathan. KKR secured Pathan's services for ₹9.66 crore ($1.15 million), hoping to capitalize on his explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling. Pathan played a crucial role in KKR's success, contributing with match-winning performances and playing a pivotal role in their title-winning campaigns.

5. Chris Lynn - ₹9.6 crore ($1.1 million) in IPL 2018 Auction

In the IPL 2018 auction, KKR splurged ₹9.6 crore ($1.1 million) to secure the services of explosive Australian batsman Chris Lynn. Known for his power-hitting and ability to clear the boundaries with ease, Lynn was expected to provide KKR with a solid start at the top of the order. While he had his moments, Lynn's stint with KKR was marred by inconsistent performances and injuries.

It is important to note that the IPL auction is a high-stakes event, where franchises compete fiercely to secure the best talent. The prices paid for these players reflect their value and the impact they can have on a team's performance. KKR's willingness to invest heavily in these players shows their commitment to building a strong and competitive squad.

Overall, KKR's expensive signings in the IPL auction history have had varying degrees of success. While some players have gone on to become integral parts of the team and achieved great success, others have struggled to make a significant impact. Nonetheless, these signings have added excitement and star power to KKR's lineup, making them a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.