In the Indian Premier League (IPL), player auctions play a key role for the franchises as the event provides them the opportunity to build a strong team for the tournament. Back in 2008, when the process was introduced, fans were surprised and clueless about it. However, now every year, IPL fans eagerly wait for the extravaganza to witness the strategies. This event becomes crucial for players too, as they too get an understanding of their importance in the tournament after going under the hammer.

In the last 15 years, the franchises splurged a lot of money on many players to get their valuable services. However, some delivered positive results representing a particular franchise, while others went unimpressive for their teams after performing poorly, thereby putting the franchise in doubt regarding their bid. Some players, who had a big name in international cricket, also couldn't perform well in the league for their respective franchises.&nbsp;

Talking more about it, here are some best and worst buys of all time in the history of league

10. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

After spending four years in Punjab Kings (PBKS), <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/kl-rahul-and-athiya-shetty-bring-in-new-year-together-in-dubais-luxurious-nightclub/" title="KL Rahul" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KL Rahul </a>joined the new franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after being roped in for INR 17 crore. His new team also gave him the captaincy mantle counting on his vast experience in the league and international cricket. In return, the swashbuckling player led his franchise to the playoff stage in their maiden IPL outing.

As a batter too, he dominated the tournament finishing as the second-leading run-scorer with 616 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 135.38. In the upcoming edition of the tournament too, the franchise will bank on his batting skills.

Looking at Andrew Tye’s stunning past bowling performances in the league, LSG signed him last year at his base price of INR 1 crore. In the league, he got three games to showcase his bowling skills and regain his old form. But the pacer couldn’t impress with the ball and managed to claim only two wickets at an expensive economy of 9.72.

Gujarat Titans made their sensational debut in the league last year, thanks to the fearless captaincy of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/we-may-see-hardik-pandya-again-with-new-ball-in-second-t20i-wasim-jaffer/" title="Hardik Pandya" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hardik Pandya</a>. The franchise signed the all-rounder at INR 15 crore and assigned him the task to lead the team. After serving Mumbai Indians (MI) from 2015 till 2021, Pandya made his grand debut for GT last year. With his top-notch performances with the bat and the ball alongside strong leadership, he rocked the tournament.

In the round-robin stage, he looked excellent as a skipper making his team table toppers with 10 victories. Talking about his batting performance, he showed his best scoring 487 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 131.26. These figures also helped him to become the most successful batter for his team in the tournament. With the ball too, he contributed with eight scalps at an economy of 7.27.

Worst Buy: Vijay Shankar

In the mega auction 2022, GT picked up Vijay Shankar at INR 1.4 crore. The franchise expected him to help the side with his all-round skills. However, the 31-year-old looked miserable with the bat scoring only 15 runs in the four games he played. Despite his underwhelming performance in the last edition, the franchise retained him for the next season.&nbsp;

After witnessing KL Rahul’s incredible batting display for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2016, Punjab Kings (PBKS) showed faith in the wicket-keeper batter in the 2018 mini-auction. Splurging a hefty sum of INR 11 crore on him, the franchise also gave him the responsibility to lead their team in the tournament. Appearing in PBKS colours for four seasons, he accumulated 2,548 runs in 55 matches at a strike rate of 139.76 and became the leading run-scorer for the franchise. During this period, he also smashed 23 half-centuries and two centuries. Before the 2022 auction, he took the tough call and quit the franchise in search of better opportunities.

Worst Buy: Glenn Maxwell

On the other hand, talking about the worst investment of PBKS, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/i-havent-got-a-return-date-for-you-glenn-maxwell-shares-significant-update-on-his-rehab/" title="Glenn Maxwell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn Maxwell</a> is the one who made it to the list. He did a brilliant job for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2021 edition. However, from 2013-20, the Aussie cricketer was a non-performing player in the tournament due to his disastrous batting numbers. Playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS) from 2014-17, he displayed inconsistency, scoring just 1,186 runs in 52 matches.

In 2020 too, the franchise acquired his services again at INR 10.75 crore but nothing changed as he could score only 108 runs in 13 games at an underwhelming strike rate of 101.88. Representing Punjab in five seasons, he could notch up only 1,383 runs in 70 games. Witnessing his unreliable numbers, the franchise finally bid adieu to him before the 2021 mini-auction.

&nbsp;7. Delhi Capitals (DC)

In 2016, Delhi Capitals bought <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/rishabh-pant-accident-netizens-lash-out-at-urvashi-rautela-after-cryptic-hospital-pic/" title="Rishabh Pant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant</a> for INR 1.9 crore at the mini-auction. In his debut season, he contributed to his team’s comprehensive eight-wicket victory against Gujarat Lions, scoring 69 runs off 40 deliveries. The youngster ended his first season with 198 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 130.26. Next year, the left-hander featured for the Capitals again and improved his numbers, notching up 366 runs in 14 matches at a humongous strike rate of 165.61.&nbsp;

Noting his fine numbers in the previous season, the franchise retained him for the 2018 edition too. Smashing 684 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 173.60, he showed his beast mode in the eleventh IPL edition. In 2019, DC appointed him their captain and he took his team to the playoffs for the first time in seven years. However, the franchise’s journey ended after losing to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets in the qualifier. So far, he is a reliable batter for the franchise with 2,838 runs in 98 games at a strike rate of 147.97 and the southpaw has been a loyal servant for the franchise in seven editions.

In the 2015 mini-auction, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) got involved in a bidding war for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/yuvraj-singh-eliminates-ms-dhoni-moment-in-reshared-tribute-video-on-his-41st-birthday/" title="Yuvraj Singh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuvraj Singh.</a> In the end, DC fetched him at INR 16 crore to get his services. However, the former legendary batter forced the franchise to regret their decision as he could accumulate only 248 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 118.09. Witnessing his dismal performance in the season, the franchise parted ways with him ahead of the 2016 mini-auction.

6. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

In 2014, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bought <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/david-warner-pens-heartfelt-message-for-rishabh-pants-speedy-recovery/" title="David Warner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner </a>at INR 5.5 crore to reinforce their batting unit. In return, with 4,014 runs for SRH in 95 matches at a strike rate of 142.59, the veteran won the hearts of the franchise’s fans. Appearing for SRH for the first time in 2014, the southpaw looked sensational scoring 528 runs in 14 games at a fantastic strike rate of 140.80. Next year too, he continued his form racking up 562 runs in 14 matches at a breathtaking strike rate of 156.54.

In 2016, the Aussie star cricketer delivered his best IPL performance as a skipper and batter. With the bat, he came heavily on bowlers amassing 848 runs in 17 matches, at a strike rate of 151.42. As a leader too, he helped the team clinch the title vanquishing the favourites Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the final. Last year, ahead of the mega auction, SRH parted ways with the Aussie after he couldn’t find himself among the runs in the 2021 installment of the league.&nbsp;

At the 2018 mega auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) got Deepak Hooda at INR 3.6 crore. Relying on his power-hitting potential, the franchise expected him to play the role of a finisher. However, he couldn’t do much for the franchise and managed to accumulate only 87 runs in nine games at a disappointing strike rate of 107.40. Despite his below-par outings in 2018, the franchise included him in its scheme of things for the 2019 season. However, his numbers got worse in 2019 as he could accumulate only 64 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 101.58.&nbsp;

5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

In Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) famous title victory in 2008, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/everyone-would-love-to-see-pakistan-and-india-in-the-t20-world-cup-final-shane-watson/" title="Shane Watson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shane Watson</a> played a pivotal role. Racking up 472 runs and 17 wickets in 15 games of his debut season, Watson showcased his skills as an all-rounder. Earlier, at the auction, the franchise roped him in at INR 4 crore. In 2013, Watson again came hard on opponents scoring 543 runs and picking up 13 scalps in 16 matches.

The dashing all-rounder was a part of the franchise for eight seasons. In this period, he proved his worth delivering some spectacular match-winning performances to his franchise. Notching up 2372 runs and 61 wickets in 78 IPL matches, he supported his team as an ideal all-rounder.&nbsp;

Worst Buy: Jaydev Unadkat

Rajasthan Royals signed Jaydev Unadkat at a colossal amount of INR 11.5 crore in the 2018 mega auction, noticing his sensational bowling display for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017. However, for RR, the pacer failed to find a rhythm as he took only 11 wickets in 15 contests at an expensive economy of 9.65.

After RR failed to get solid figures from Unadkat, they excluded him from their retention list for the 2019 competition. But again at the mini-auction, the Royals picked him up at INR 8.40 crore for their next edition. This time, he had a golden opportunity to prove himself as a RR stalwart but the seamer again looked poor with the ball, claiming only 10 wickets in 11 games at an awful economy of 10.66.

4. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

In 2008, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) purchased uncapped <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/virat-kohli-anushka-sharma-distribute-blankets-during-their-visit-to-vrindavan-ashram/" title="Virat Kohli" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a> at INR 20 lakh at the auction. Since then, he has played for the franchise in all 15 editions and became their best batter with 6,624 runs including five centuries in 223 IPL contests. From 2013 to 2021, he provided his services as a skipper too. During his captaincy days, he faced criticism for not winning a title. However, in 2016, he led the team from the front and had a phenomenal season.

In the same IPL installment, he also set an unprecedented feat that is unbroken to date. Racking up 973 runs in 16 matches, at a stellar strike rate of 152.03, he lit up the tournament. The legendary batter hit four tons too, which is the most by any batter in an IPL edition.

Worst&nbsp;Buy: Tymal Mills

Talking about the worst purchase of RCB, Tymal Mills is the one who made the list it due to his horrendous bowling display in 2017. Mills, the renowned bowler in the T20 Blast with 102 scalps in 79 games, couldn’t show his best in the cash-rich IPL. In 2017, he submitted his name in the mini-auction and was registered at a base price of INR 50 lakh.

Considering his experience in the English league, RCB grabbed him at a hefty amount of INR 12 crore. However, Mills emerged as an underperformer in the tournament with five wickets in five games at an economy of 8.57. Witnessing his below-par bowling displays, the franchise didn’t hesitate to part ways with him next year.&nbsp;

3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Best Buy: Gautam Gambhir

After failing to get desired results in the first three editions of the tournament, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) roped in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/he-should-be-going-to-domestic-cricket-and-get-his-rhythm-back-gautam-gambhir-furious-after-arshdeep-singhs-shocking-performance/" title="Gautam Gambhir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gautam Gambhir </a>at INR 11.04 crore in the 2011 mega auction. The franchise gave him the responsibility to lead their side in the league. Handling the captaincy mantle, he won the maiden trophy for them in 2012. Not only as a skipper but as a batter too, he outperformed in the fifth edition of the tournament scoring 590 runs in 17 matches, at a strike rate of 143.55.

With these batting figures, he also became the second-leading run scorer in the competition. In 2014, he showcased his leadership skills again winning the second title for the franchise with his impressive captaincy. Ahead of the IPL 2018, he parted ways with KKR after holding a mutual discussion. Notching up 3,345 runs for the franchise with 30 half-centuries in 122 IPL games, he served his team brilliantly.

Worst Buy: Mashrafe Mortaza

In the 2009 auction, KKR invested INR 2.6 crore in Mashrafe Mortaza to get his services. However, the veteran got a chance in a game against Deccan Chargers in the 48th game and splurged 58 runs in four overs. His loose bowling had an impact on the team's chances in the match. For the last over of the game, skipper Brendon McCullum trusted him to defend 21 runs. But the Bangladesh's star cricketer failed to stand up to the opportunity as Rohit Sharma hammered him for 26 runs and pulled off the chase for the Chargers.

Noting <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/rohit-sharma-rahul-dravid-and-virat-kohli-played-huge-role-in-kuldeep-yadavs-comeback-says-spinners-coach-kapil-pandey/" title="Rohit Sharma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a>’s fearless batting style for Deccan Chargers from 2008-10, Mumbai Indians (MI) signed him at INR 9.2 crore in the 2011 mega auction. For the first two years, he played as a batter for the franchise and delivered some fine performances. However, in 2013, the team management assigned him the role of a skipper too after Ponting’s poor captaincy in the season. Making his captaincy debut, Sharma looked confident and delivered the first title to the franchise with his leadership skills.

With the bat too, he made the season his best in the history of the league, notching up 538 runs in 19 matches, at a strike rate of 131.54.&nbsp; So far, the veteran has bagged five trophies as a skipper captaining ten seasons for the franchise. Scoring 4,709 runs for the franchise in 182 IPL matches at a strike rate of 129.51, Sharma has established himself as the most reliable batter in the team.

Worst Buy: Ricky Ponting

In 2013, former Australia legend Ricky Ponting became a part of Mumbai Indians at the mini-auction. Going through his incredible record as a skipper and batter for his national team, the franchise bought him at INR 2.1 crore. MI appointed Ponting as their skipper trusting his leadership abilities. However, the Aussie legend struggled with the bat scoring only 52 runs in six matches, at an extremely poor strike rate of 69.33. As a captain too, he left the team in trouble with three victories and three defeats at a horrible net run rate (NRR).

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Before the inaugural edition of the league, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/afghanistan-cricketer-rahmanullah-gurbaz-expresses-desire-to-play-with-ms-dhoni/" title="MS Dhoni" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni</a> at INR 11.33 crore. Going through his swashbuckling captaincy in T20 World Cup 2007, the franchise grabbed him after having a bidding battle with Mumbai Indians (MI) at the auction. In 2010, they beat their arch-rivals Mumbai indians (MI) under Dhoni’s captaincy and became the champions for the first time.

After 15 years of the tournament, Dhoni's captaincy has played a key role in the success of the franchise. With his efforts, CSK are the second most successful team in the league with four titles. Talking about his batting, Dhoni has served his team in an efficient manner amassing 4,322 runs in 204 IPL contests. Using his match-finishing skills, he has also taken the team home in a lot of games.

Worst Buy: Andrew Flintoff

Talking about the worst buy, Andrew Flintoff is the one who grabbed the attention of the franchise in 2009. The former English cricketer was sold to CSK at INR 7.55 crore at the 2009 mini-auction. After investing such a huge amount in him, the franchise looked for some amazing all-round shows from him. However, appearing in CSK colours in three games of the competition, he failed to do wonders with both bat and ball. With only 62 runs and two wickets, he came out as a disappointment for his franchise. Later, he also got ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.&nbsp;

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), player auctions play a key role for the franchises as the event provides them the opportunity to build a strong team for the tournament. Back in 2008, when the proc

Team-wise best and worst buys of all time in IPL history

Some names delivered joy to their respective franchises and became the greatest players in the history of the tournament.

Team-wise best and worst buys of all time in IPL auction history

Some players delivered joy to their respective franchises and became the greatest players in the history of the tournament, while some failed miserably