Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians had a tough outing last year, despite having big names in the camp. They crumbled and ultimately failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, there is no doubt that the Mumbai franchise is known for acquiring top names in the team, whether it’s regarding their star-studded support staff or the big players on the roster.
Speaking more about MI players, we are aware that franchises operate within a specific budget for player in IPL auction. But there have been many instances where MI has spent significantly on certain players. So let’s take a look at five players who received substantial amounts from the franchise.
Mumbai Indians costliest IPL auction buys
| Year | Player | Value (in Crores) |
| 2023 | Cameron Green | 17.50 Crore |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan | 15.25 Crore |
| 2021 | Nathan Coulter-Nile | 5.00 Crore |
| 2020 | Nathan Coulter-Nile | 8.00 Crore |
| 2018 | Krunal Pandya | 8.80 Crore |
Cameron Green
The first big name to receive a massive paycheck from the Mumbai Indians franchise is Cameron Green, who played for MI in IPL 2023 and delivered an incredible performance with both bat and ball. His most memorable performance was a century off just 47 balls against SRH, which is still remembered by many. MI acquired his services for a staggering ₹17.50 crore, although he was traded to RCB for IPL 2024.
Ishan Kishan
The second big acquisition by MI was Ishan Kishan, bought for ₹15.25 crore. While some believe it was a minor blunder, his performance that season was not up to the mark. In 14 matches, he scored only 418 runs at a strike rate of just 120, which is not expected from a top-notch opener.
Mumbai Indians costliest retention
Rohit Sharma
The big name who is an MI asset is Rohit Sharma. Under him, the team has clinched five IPL trophies and has done an incredible job in this cash-rich league. Whenever the IPL auction approaches, there is one name that always tops the retention list: Rohit Sharma. During the mega auction that last occurred in 2022, MI retained Sharma in their camp by giving him a substantial ₹16 crore.
Hardik Pandya
MI’s IPL 2024 captain is Rohit Sharma, and in the past, their key all-rounder Hardik Pandya was retained for a substantial ₹15 crore, making it the second most expensive retention by Mumbai Indians after Sharma. Speaking more about Hardik, he has been an important player since joining MI in 2015. However, Pandya peaked in the 2019 edition when he emerged as the best all-rounder, scoring 402 runs at a strike rate of 191.41 and taking 14 wickets, helping the team clinch the IPL trophy.
