The Mumbai Indians are one of the most formidable teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), boasting five IPL titles. Run by Reliance Industries, this franchise has been a class apart due to its excellent decision-making and smart player purchases, still there are some players that come in the category of expensive players for MI.
The team has also shown its understanding in the IPL auctions, where they have spent heavily to attract many high-profile players. These strategic buying are not only for the purpose of getting talent but also for enhancing the competitiveness of the team in the long run.
Mumbai Indians Auction strategy involves the franchise putting a lot of money into acquiring high-profile players to build a great team. This has resulted in several high profile players joining the side at a relatively expensive price. Hence, in this article we will take a look at the Most expensive players of Mumbai Indians.
Most Expensive Players for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians has been a powerhouse in IPL for almost 2 decades now. They might not have contested for the title in the first few seasons. But since their first title in 2011, they have been a different team altogether. And somewhere somehow, this has something to do with MI auction strategy.
They made some important changes in the way they approached the idea of selling and buying players. Suddenly it turned into a game changer for Mumbai Indains. There are no brownie points for guessing which player they bought in 2011, that changed their fortune forever.
Yes, it was Rohit Sharma, their most successful captain. He was bought for a price of 2 millions, which was equivalent to 9 crores at that time, making him one of the most expensive players for Mumbai Indians. However, following his arrival there have been many other bigger names involved in the transaction.
Let’s take a look at them all.
Cameron Green (Rs 17.5 crore – IPL 2023):
For 12 years straight, Rohit Sharma held the title of the highest-paid cricketer for the Mumbai Indians in every season. However, this streak has come to an end. In the 2023 IPL auction, the Mumbai Indians secured the services of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a whopping Rs 17.5 crore, making him the most expensive player ever for Mumbai Indians.
Interestingly, Green even out earned the Mumbai Indians’ captain for one season. This marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy, as they invest heavily in Green, breaking Rohit’s long-standing reign as the highest earner. The Australian’s remarkable price tag reflects the franchise’s confidence in his cricketing abilities.
The player however was only part of the franchise for a solitary season. In the 16 matches that he featured in, Green managed to amass 452 runs at an average of 50.22 and had 2 fifties and 1 hundred to his name as well. He appeared to be the future of the franchise, that was until the team decided to bring back their former player Hardik Pandya returned to the squad in the 2024 season.
Green was traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore for a total of 15 crores ahead of the 17th edition.
Rohit Sharma (Rs 16 crore – Retained ahead of IPL 2022):
Rohit Sharma, the sensational captain of Mumbai Indians, has been the most expensively player for Mumbai Indians since his signing in 2011. His remuneration was ₹9. 2 crore in the beginning and went up to ₹16 crore in 2022. This profitable deal is a testimony of his importance to Mumbai’s triumph and his standing as one of the league’s leading athletes. The extension of Rohit’s contract until 2022 shows that he is an integral part of the team’s planning and management.
Ishan Kishan (Rs 15.25 crore – IPL 2023):
Ishan Kishan, a young Indian cricketer, became the Mumbai Indians’ third-highest-paid player in a single IPL season. Joining the team in 2018, he was temporarily released in 2022. However, during the auction, the franchise vigorously pursued him, ultimately re-signing him for a hefty Rs 15.25 crore, making him the second highest-paid player for Mumbai Indians.
This move also made him the most expensive player of the 2022 auction. Despite his brief hiatus, Kishan remains a key asset to the Mumbai setup. Over the years, his performance has only paid dividends to the MI lineup.
In the 75 games that Ishan Kishan has featured in the last 6 years, he has amassed a total of 2005 runs at a prolific strike rate. His current status as the for the Mumbai Indian team remains unchanged as he is their most important player, someone they’ll be looking to rely upon in the coming future as well.
Hardik Pandya (Rs 15 crore – IPL 2024):
Hardik Pandya made an impressive comeback, rejoining Mumbai Indians for an amazing Rs 15 crore at the IPL 2024 auction. This move saw him become the third most expensive player for Mumbai Indians in the history of the tournament.
The talented all-rounder showcased remarkable skills with both bat and ball, adding significant power to the team. His return marked a sensational story, highlighting his skill on the field and contributing to the team’s success. The noteworthy performance and substantial contract underscored Pandya’s value in the cricketing world.
Pandya was a part of the Mumbai Indians since his debut in 2015, until 2021. That is when he was roped in by Gujarat Giants, a new team introduced to the premier cricket league. He went on to win the first season as captain. However, the second season saw him suffer a defeat in the final. and as luck would have it, he returned to Mumbai ahead of the 2024 season.
Jasprit Bumrah (Rs 12 crore – Retained before IPL 2022):
Jasprit Bumrah, a skilled fast bowler, Mumbai Indians picked him up in 2013, and he has since established himself as one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket. He had a wonderful year, and for the 2022 season, Mumbai Indians bought a contract renewal with him for ₹12 crore per season.
Bumrah has proved to be a vital bowler for the team, and due to his talent and skills, he earns a high salary both for the franchise team and the Indian national team. His stats are also phenomenal, with 133 games under his belt, he has taken 165 wickets with an economy of 7.30.
Lasith Malinga (Rs 9.25 crore – Retained):
Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga was also retained by the Mumbai Indians for ₹9. 25 crore. His Yorkers and experience were quite helpful in the bowling team; he was a great asset to the franchise. The bidding process and Malinga’s eventual retention proved that the Mumbai Indians are keen on preserving a solid and experienced bowling line-up.
Kieron Pollard (Rs 9.25 crore – Retained in IPL 2015):
When it comes to impact all rounders there are few players who even come closer to achieving what Kieron Pollard has done for Mumbai Indians. Hence, he will always remain the most valuable player for Mumbai Indians.
Pollard, a power-hitting batsman who has been crucial in many a chase and final overs, was bought for ₹9. 25 crore in the 2015 IPL auction. The power-play and winning mentality shown by Pollard made Mumbai Indians retain him, and this may be strategic because he proved to be a vital contributor to the team.
Krunal Pandya (Rs 8.8 crore – RTM in 2018 IPL Auction):
During the 2018 IPL auction, Mumbai Indians snapped Krunal Pandya using the Right To Match (RTM) card for ₹8. 8 crores. His versatility and capacity to offer depth to the team were essential. This strategic pickup is a clear testimony to Mumbai Indians’ plan to construct a team with players who can comprehensively challenge any team in the league
Sachin Tendulkar (Rs 8.28 crore – Retained before IPL 2011):
Sachin Tendulkar, the ‘little master’ and one of the all-time greats of cricket, was repurchased by Mumbai Indians for a bid of ₹8. 28 crore for the IPL season starting in 2011. Tendulkar’s participation in the team during its initial phase helped form the team’s identity and victory. He also proved helpful in enhancing the value of the team on the field and assisting in the growth of the franchise.
List: Highest paid players for Mumbai Indians
| Player | Price (in Crores) | IPL Season |
| Cameron Green | 17.5 | IPL 2023 |
| Rohit Sharma | 16 | Retained 2022 |
| Ishan Kishan | 15.25 | IPL 2023 |
| Hardik Pandya | 15 | IPL 2024 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 12 | Retained 2022 |
| Hardik Pandya | 11 | Retained 2018 |
| Lasith Malinga | 9.25 | Retained |
| Kieron Pollard | 9.25 | Retained in 2015 |
| Krunal Pandya | 8.8 | RTM in 2018 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 8.28 | Retained before 2011 |
Mumbai Indians must make a very wise investment in many world-class players over the years in the IPL. It shows their readiness to invest large sums of money in an attempt to acquire top players as they seek to form a formidable team.
From Cameron Greens’s record deal to the hefty investments made in players like Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, these huge contracts demonstrate the franchise’s commitment to stay on top of the league. All these players have been vital and have extensively participated in making the Mumbai Indians one of the most potent and successful teams in the IPL. It remains the team that has the most exemplary approach to talent acquisition in the league.
FAQ
Who is the most expensive player for Mumbai Indians?
The most expensive player for Mumbai Indians in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) auction held in December 2023 is Cameron Green, the young Australian all-rounder, who was acquired for a whopping ₹17.50 crore.
Who is the most expensive Indian player for Mumbai Indians?
In the current Mumbai Indians squad (post-2023 IPL auction), the title of “most expensive Indian player” belongs to Ishan Kishan. The talented wicket-keeper batsman was retained by the franchise for a staggering ₹15.25 crore in the 2022 IPL auction.
