IPL: Year-wise best signing in the auctions

2011 edition – Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians (INR 9 Crore) and Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 10.8 Crore)

Two of IPL’s most decorated captains of all time, Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir had to be mentioned together as both these signings made in 2011 by Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders helped the teams begin to win trophies and win multiple ones. These two signings changed the tournament’s course if it can be put that way.

Gambhir helped Kolkata become a powerhouse under his stupendous leadership and helped the team win the trophy twice in 2012 and 2014. He also scored tons of runs for them, becoming the protagonist of their success story. Ever since his departure in the 2018 auction, the side hasn’t looked at its best and is struggling to cope with his absence at the helm.

Rohit, on the other side, began captaining the team in 2013. That was the season they won the title for the first time and they went on to win it three more times under his leadership, in 2015, 2017 and 2019. He’s the only player in IPL to have led four triumphant teams and to have won five winners’ medals throughout his career (One with Deccan Chargers).