Top 3 biggest steal deals under INR 1 crore in IPL Auction history

Every season, IPL franchises take major risks, sometimes overspending while at times investing in raw talent for a marginally lower price. Over the years, several young players have started their IPL career on decent contracts, earning less than a crore, yet went on to play a crucial role in their side's success over the years.

These picks eventually became match-winners, household names, and even the faces of the franchises. Some secure massive contracts in later seasons, while others broke into the national team on the back of consistent performances in the marquee 20-over franchise tournament. 

Here are 3 biggest steals under INR 1 crore in IPL Auction history

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Star Indian batter Rinku Singh is one of the biggest steals under INR 1 crore in IPL history. Picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for just INR 80 lakh in 2018, the young left-hander has since gone on to become the face of the franchise and one of the league’s most reliable finishers. 

After years of grooming, Rinku had his breakthrough moment in IPL 2023, finishing as KKR’s highest run-scorer and creating one of the league’s most iconic moments by smashing five consecutive sixes to steal a win out of Gujarat Titans' mouth. His brilliance earned him a place in India’s T20I setup, where he continues to thrive as a lower-order match-winner. Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, the Kolkata-based franchise has once again shown its trust in Rinku by retaining him.