The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have often approached the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction with a strategy of securing explosive talent, leading to some of the biggest price tags in their franchise history. From their initial mega-investment in a marquee player to later focuses on match-winning all-rounders and star pacers, KKR’s most expensive seasonal buys reflect their continuous effort to blend star power with local talent to build a competitive roster.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ most expensive player bought at each IPL auction

1) 2008 to 2012: The marquee and mega auction spends

• 2008: Sourav Ganguly (INR 2.4 Crore) – In the inaugural auction, KKR secured their ‘local hero’ and icon player, making him their highest spend. This investment was primarily to appoint him as the franchise’s first captain and to cement the team’s local identity and fanbase.
• 2009: Angelo Mathews (INR 2.6 Crore) – KKR made the Sri Lankan all-rounder their most expensive purchase in the 2009 mini-auction, seeking to add depth and an overseas fast-bowling all-rounder option to their squad.
• 2010: Shane Bond (INR 4.8 Crore) – The franchise successfully bid for the veteran New Zealand fast bowler. This high-value purchase was aimed at securing a world-class, experienced pace spearhead for their bowling attack.
• 2011: Gautam Gambhir (INR 14.9 Crore) – In the 2011 mega-auction, KKR made a historic purchase, spending a then-record amount for any player to secure the Indian opener. The investment was transformative, acquiring a new captain and a genuine 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, viewing him as a high-impact opener and a vital overseas contributor.

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

• 2013: Sachithra Senanayake (INR 3.3 crore) – In a year of after entering auction as defending champions, the Sri Lankan off-spinner was KKR’s highest purchase, aimed at adding a tactical spin option to their strong existing bowling line-up.
• 2014: Jacques Kallis (INR 5.5 Crore) – KKR strategically spent big to acquire the versatile South African allrounder. This purchase proved crucial as Kallis became an integral part of their top order, playing a pivotal role in their 2014 title run and beyond.
• 2015: KC Cariappa (INR 2.4 Crore) – In a surprising move, KKR invested heavily in the uncapped ‘mystery’ spinner, reflecting their ongoing strategy of prioritizing potent spin options and backing high-potential, unknown talent.
• 2016: Jaydev Unadkat (INR 1.6 Crore) – KKR made the Indian fast-bowler their highest buy in this mini-auction. The investment was aimed at adding an in-form domestic left-arm pace 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. This move was intended to give KKR a potent, left-arm pace option to complement their spin attack.

3) 2018 to 2025: Investing in pace and power

• 2018: Chris Lynn (INR 9.6 Crore) – In the mega-auction, KKR used their highest bid to buy back the explosive Australian opener. The high price tag confirmed their faith in his ability to provide rapid starts at 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, looking to strengthen their finishing ability and add a strong overseas option in the lower-middle order.
• 2020: Pat Cummins (INR 15.5 Crore) – This landmark purchase made the Australian pacer the most expensive overseas player in IPL history at the time. The investment was purely to secure a world-class, pace-bowling spearhead and proven international performer.
• 2021: Pat Cummins (INR 15.5 Crore) – The most expensive buy in 2021 for KKR was actually Pat Cummins again at INR 15.5 Crore (retained value from 2020) and Shakib Al Hasan was their highest new buy at INR 3.2 Crore.

NOTE: 2021: Shakib Al Hasan (INR 3.2 Crore) – The most expensive new purchase saw KKR bring 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 defining investment to acquire the Indian batsman, who was instantly named the new team captain, symbolizing a major long-term strategic shift toward new leadership.
• 2023: Shakib Al Hasan (INR 1.5 Crore) – KKR again prioritized their trusted Bangladeshi all-rounder in the auction. Though the price was modest, he was their highest-priced auction buy for the season, brought in to provide experienced cover and balance to the middle order.
• 2024: Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 Crore) – KKR shattered all auction records to secure the Australian fast-bowler, making him the most expensive player in IPL history and making a clear statement of intent to acquire an elite, match-winning pace bowler.
• 2025: Venkatesh Iyer (INR 23.75 Crore) – In a critical move to secure their core Indian talent, KKR used their highest spend in the auction (or a key 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.