Top-Earned Bilateral Players in the IPL 2020 Auction

IPL, the Indian Premier League, is a cricket tournament that has captivated fans across the nation. It is a platform where budding cricketers get a chance to showcase their talents and earn a lucrative salary. In this article, we explore the top-earning players during the IPL 2020 auction, highlighting their contributions to the league and their impact on the teams.

Top-Earning Players of Each IPL Season

Yuvraj Singh (2014): Royal Challengers Bangalore, INR 14 crores Ravindra Jadeja (2012): Chennai Super Kings, INR 12.8 crores Gautam Gambhir (2011): Kolkata Knight Riders, INR 14.9 crores Ben Stokes (2017): Rising Pune Supergiant, INR 14.5 crores Shane Watson (2016): Royal Challengers Bangalore, INR 9.5 crores Andrew Flintoff (2009): Chennai Super Kings, INR 9.8 crores M.S Dhoni (2008): Chennai Super Kings, INR 9.5 crores

Understanding the Value of Each Player

The value of each player is determined by their performance in both batting and bowling. Here, we detail the contributions of each player in their respective IPL seasons.

Yuvraj Singh - IPL 2014

Yuvraj Singh, the iconic batsman, was sold for INR 14 crores in the IPL 2014 auction. He was the highest-paid player that season, reflecting his legendary status in Indian cricket. He scored 376 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 135.25 and also contributed as a bowler, taking 5 scalps in the tournament. Though he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Yuvraj expressed his retirement from international cricket on June 10, 2019, due to health issues.

Ravindra Jadeja - IPL 2012

Ravindra Jadeja, a diamond in the rough, was acquired by Chennai Super Kings for INR 12.8 crores. He shone in the 2012 IPL season, taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 7.80. On the batting front, he amassed 191 runs in 19 matches, showcasing a strike rate of 126.49. His versatility as a performer made him a cornerstone for CSK during this period.

Gautam Gambhir - IPL 2011

Gautam Gambhir, a Delhi-born player, was brought into the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 14.9 crores. He played a pivotal role in leading the KKR to victory in the 2012 and 2014 IPL seasons. Scoring 378 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 119.24, Gambhir's contribution was invaluable. He remains one of the top run getters in IPL history, with a total of 4217 runs.

Ben Stokes - IPL 2017

Ben Stokes made his debut in the 2017 IPL season, earning the title of 'worth the price'. As a dynamic all-rounder, Stokes performed exceptionally well, scoring 316 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 142.98. His memorable knock of 103 off 63 balls helped Pune SuperGiants win the match. Although he couldn't secure a place with Pune SuperGiants, he later joined Rajasthan Royals, where his contributions remain unparalleled.

Shane Watson - IPL 2016

Shane Watson, the versatile cricketer, began his IPL journey in 2008, playing for Rajasthan Royals until 2015. He made a significant contribution to Royal Challengers Bangalore, albeit at the cost of a hefty 9.5 crores. On the batting front, he scored 179 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 133.58, while on the bowling end, he took 20 wickets. Watson was later acquired by the Chennai Super Kings but eventually retired in 2020.

Andrew Flintoff - IPL 2009

Andrew Flintoff's presence in the IPL 2009 auction was a topic of speculation, with him being sold for a whopping 9.8 crores, the highest amount for a player in that season. However, his performance did not match the expectations. He managed to play only 3 matches, scoring 62 runs at a strike rate of 116.98. Bowling-wise, he took 2 wickets at an economy rate of 9.54. This was Flintoff's first and last international league.

M.S. Dhoni - IPL 2008

M.S. Dhoni, the brilliant all-rounder, was a cornerstone of the Chennai Super Kings in the 2008 IPL season. He scored 414 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 133.54. His exceptional performance helped CSK reach the finals, which they then lost to Rajasthan Royals by 1 run. Dhoni has been a loyal player of CSK, except for the 2016 and 2017 seasons when he played for Pune SuperGiants.