IPL Auction: Top 5 Most expensive uncapped players of all time

The Indian Premier League, organized annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has long been a platform that makes uncapped players into overnight sensations and millionaires. Every auction ahead of the season brings unknown domestic talents suddenly getting eye-watering bids, showing that the IPL rewards potential as much as proven reputation, a tradition that has continued for over 18 years now.

While several uncapped players enter the league through decent deals, a few surprise everyone by attracting massive sums after impressive domestic performances or standout moments. As the 2026 mini-auction ended with a whopping INR 215.45 crore spent in total by the ten franchises, CricTracker reflects on the highest-paid uncapped players in the history of IPL auctions.

Here are the 5 most expensive uncapped players of all time

M Shahrukh Khan: (INR 9.00 crore in 2022)

M Shahrukh Khan grabbed significant attention at the IPL 2022 auction after being secured by Punjab Kings for INR 9 crore, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history at the time. The hefty price tag came after his performances in domestic cricket, where he represented Tamil Nadu across formats.

Punjab Kings had first invested in him ahead of IPL 2021, impressed by his finishing skills and approach. While expectations were sky-high in IPL 2022 following his re-signing at an increased price, Shahrukh had a mixed season and struggled to consistently perform. He currently plays for Gujarat Titans and has been retained by them for IPL 2026.

Krishnappa Gowtham: (INR 9.25 crore in 2021)

Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham registered himself in IPL auction history at the 2021 Player Auction when Chennai Super Kings secured him for a whopping INR 9.25 crore. He now stands fourth on the list of the most expensive uncapped players of all time, despite not having played international cricket then.

Although his previous stints with Punjab Kings did not produce consistent returns, Gowtham had already proven his skill set earlier with Rajasthan Royals, delivering match-winning performances in pressure situations during IPL 2018. However, that year he was benched throughout the season, with CSK eventually winning their fourth title.

Avesh Khan: (INR 10.00 crore in 2022)

In the IPL 2022 auction, Avesh Khan was picked by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 10 crore. He became the third-most expensive uncapped player in IPL auction history, and at the time, the highest-paid uncapped Indian. Avesh is now a capped international cricketer and an experienced IPL player as well, having proved his mettle across white-ball formats for the Indian team and the T20 franchises.

The tall right-arm pacer rose through the ranks after strong performances in Under-19 World Cups and domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh. His breakthrough came in IPL 2021 with Delhi Capitals, where he picked up 24 wickets. That form carried into 2022, soon earning him India caps in white-ball cricket.

Kartik Sharma: (INR 14.20 crore in 2026)

19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, Kartik Sharma, was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for INR 14.2 crore, making him the joint most expensive uncapped player alongside Prashant Veer. Born on April 26, 2006, Kartik scored a century on his Ranji Trophy debut against Uttarakhand. He has been a consistent performer for Rajasthan across formats.

In first-class cricket, he has scored 479 runs in 11 innings at an average of 43.54, including three centuries. In List A, he has scored 445 runs at an average of 55.62. While in T20s, he strikes at nearly 163. Primarily a No.4 batter, Kartik is seen as a long-term asset for CSK, with many viewing him as a future wicketkeeping option after MS Dhoni’s era, despite the presence of Sanju Samson.

Prashant Veer: (INR 14.20 crore in 2026)

Prashant Veer became the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history after Chennai Super Kings secured him for INR 14.20 crore. Setting a base price of INR 30 lakh, Veer’s value skyrocketed nearly 47 times, with CSK outbidding Rajasthan Royals and later Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder was first spotted in the UP T20 League with Noida Super Kings. Veer carried that momentum into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 112 runs at a strike rate of 170 and taking nine wickets at an economy of 6.76. CSK sees Veer as a long-term investment and a potential successor to Ravindra Jadeja.