Indian Premier League: 5 most expensive players in the past

The dashing left-handed batsman was bought for USD 2.67m (Rs 16 crore) by Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2015. Yuvraj presently plays for the IPL champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad and will be crucial for the team in title defense.

After CSK were handed a two-year suspension, RPS paid a whopping Rs 12.5 crore to bring Dhoni to the new franchise. Mahi was also surprisingly removed as Rising Pune Supergiants captain, with Steve Smith replacing him for the 2017 season.

Gambhir helped KKR in securing two titles after the team shelled out USD 2.4m (Rs 11.05 crore) for their captain. The skipper will once again be his side's most crucial batsman as they aim to clinch their 3rd championship in what would be the last IPL season in the current contract.

The Baroda lad has been a mixed bag for KKR after he was bought for USD 2.1m (Rs 9.6 crore) in IPL 2011.

His performances haven't been bad enough to release him from the KKR squad and if he has to make a comeback in the Indian national team, this is the opportunity he will be looking to seize.

Now defunct, Pune Warriors India made their intentions known by signing Robin Uthappa for USD 2.1m (Rs 9.66 crore) in IPL 2011 but the batsman couldn't produce the performance his team aspired.

Uthappa presently plays for Kolkata Knight Riders and will be crucial if his side are to chase their 3rd IPL title.