Top 5 most expensive uncapped players in IPL history ft. Prashant Veer

The growing trend of uncapped players attracting massive signings in IPL auctions continued in the recently concluded 2026 edition. With prominent state and other T20 competitions blooming around the country, franchises have increasingly begun to place their trust in young and relatively unknown commodities from such leagues.

The heavy investment in uncapped talents paid rich dividends for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) last season, and the other franchises have also seemingly embarked on a similar journey, as evidenced by several uncapped Indians fetching big bucks. Yet, even in past IPL auctions, there were occasional huge signings of uncapped players.

While some ended up reaping rewards in time, others turned into head-scratchers for the franchises.

On that note, let us look at the top five most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.

#5 Shahrukh Khan

Chennai-born Shahrukh Khan has promised plenty but delivered little when it comes to the IPL. Yet, even after a mediocre 2021 season for the Punjab Kings (PBKS), the franchise went all-out for the right-hander in the IPL 2022 auction.

PBKS acquired the talented middle-order batter for a whopping ₹9 crore, which at the time was in the top three for most expensive uncapped player signings. Unfortunately, Sharukh was disappointing in the 2022 season, scoring only 117 runs at an average of under 17 and a strike rate of 108.33.

However, he continued with PBKS the following season in 2023 before moving to the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2024. Shahrukh remains an uncapped player to date, having never played a game for India across formats.

#4 Krishnappa Gowtham

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are renowned for their ability to spring surprises out of nowhere in auctions. One such example was the franchise going hell-for-leather to sign the then-uncapped spin-bowling all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham for ₹9.25 crore in the 2021 auction.

Yet, in a surprising move, the side did not play Gowtham in any of the games in their title-winning 2021 season. Incidentally, the all-rounder debuted for India months after the IPL in an ODI against Sri Lanka in July 2021.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be Gowtham's lone appearance for Team India across formats.

#3 Avesh Khan

Before the IPL 2026 auction, discarded Indian pacer Avesh Khan remained the only uncapped player to touch the ₹10 crore-mark in an auction. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made headlines in their entry to the IPL, acquiring the right-arm pacer for ₹10 crore in the 2022 auction.

However, unlike the earlier two names, Avesh repaid the enormous trust shown in him by the franchise, picking up 18 wickets in IPL 2022 at an average of 23.11. His exploits played a vital role in LSG qualifying for the playoffs in their maiden IPL season.

Furthermore, Avesh was also rewarded with selection to both the Indian white-ball sides in 2022.

#2 Prashant Veer

CSK performed an incredible double in what was a first in an IPL auction, acquiring two uncapped Indian players for record prices. First of the two was spin-bowling all-rounder Prashant Veer, who went for a whopping ₹14.20 crore.

It is the joint record for the most expensive signing for an uncapped player in IPL history. The 20-year-old has been in extraordinary form for Uttar Pradesh in the ongoing 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).

Veer has picked up nine wickets at an average of under 19 and an economy of 6.76 in seven games. In addition to his impressive bowling, the youngster has also been dominant with the bat, scoring over 100 runs at an average of 37.33 and a strike rate of 169.69.

Apart from becoming the joint-record holder for the most expensive uncapped player, Veer was also the joint-third most expensive player in the IPL 2026 auction.

#1 Kartik Sharma

19-year-old wicketkeeper batter Kartik Sharma joined Prashant Veer in breaking the record for the most expensive uncapped player signing in IPL history. CSK acquired the Rajasthan gloveman at ₹14.20 crore, thanks to his impressive showing in the ongoing SMAT competition.

The teenager averages over 26 at a strike rate of 160.24 in five matches in the tournament. Furthermore, Kartik has also excelled in other formats of domestic cricket, boasting a first-class average of 43.54 and a List-A average of over 55.

Like Veer, Kartik also entered the IPL 2026 auction with a base price of only ₹30 Lakh, before the explosive spike during the bidding war.