IPL 2026 Auction: Highest Paid Uncapped Players in IPL History. IPL has always provided a platform for both talent and opportunity. Several young (uncapped) Indian cricketers have been among the most talked about and bought at a high price in the auction in recent years. Teams have increased confidence in domestic-based performers relative to their international debut. Whether they are power-hitters, mystery spinners, or all-rounders, uncapped Indian players have smashed the records of IPL as far as financials are concerned.
The examples of significant recent players include Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma in the IPL auction, when they were acquired for Rs 14.20 crore each by the Chennai Super Kings, making them the highest-paid uncapped players (tied) in tournament history. The intent of CSK’s aggressive bidding exemplified their long-term strategic vision and faith in youth regarding Indian talent, and it was a clear signal of their confidence to the rest of the league.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Auction; CSK’s Love for Uncapped Talent: Kartik Sharma Joins for ₹14.20 Crore
Highest Paid Uncapped Players in IPL History before IPL 2026 Auction
Before 2025, the highest-paid uncapped player was Avesh Khan, who was acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 10 crore in 2022 based on his good performances in the domestic format and at previous IPLs. Another notable CSK acquisition was Krishnappa Gowtham for Rs 9.25 crore in 2021, which highlights the significant investment placed on spin-bowling all-rounders.
Uncapped Indian players have shown to be in high demand during and after this auction, with bidding wars erupting around Shahrukh Khan (₹9 crore to Punjab Kings) and Rahul Tewatia (₹9 crore to Gujarat Titans) based on their finishing ability and potential to win matches.
Uncapped players include other previous record values, such as the ₹8.8 crore that the Mumbai Indians spent to acquire Krunal Pandya in 2018, which proved to be a great decision, and ₹8.40 crore by Kings XI Punjab for Varun Chakravarthy in 2019, reflecting the growing popularity of mystery spin bowlers.
| Player | Team | Price (₹ Crore) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prashant Veer | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 | 2025 |
| Kartik Sharma | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 | 2025 |
| Avesh Khan | Lucknow Super Giants | 10.00 | 2022 |
| Krishnappa Gowtham | Chennai Super Kings | 9.25 | 2021 |
| Shahrukh Khan | Punjab Kings | 9.00 | 2022 |
| Rahul Tewatia | Gujarat Titans | 9.00 | 2022 |
| Krunal Pandya | Mumbai Indians | 8.80 | 2018 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Kings XI Punjab | 8.40 | 2019 |
Also Read: IPL 2026 Auction – Full List of Sold Players With Price PDF Download
The record amounts paid for uncapped players demonstrate how the IPL continues to evolve and that franchises are becoming increasingly open to making substantial investments in players with the potential to become stars of Indian cricket.