IPL 2026: Top 3 Biggest Steal Deals across the IPL tournament

The Indian Premier League has not only been a stage for thrilling cricket but also a platform where franchises have unearthed incredible value through smart auction strategies. Over the years, several players have been picked up at surprisingly low prices and gone on to become match-winners, proving to be absolute steals for their teams.

As the 2026 edition of the IPL unravels, in this article, we take a look at the top three biggest steal deals in IPL history that turned out to be game-changing investments.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)

Way back in the 2015 IPL Auction, the Mumbai Indians secured Jasprit Bumrah for a modest INR 1.20 crore after a competitive bidding process, a move that would go on to redefine their bowling attack. At the time, Bumrah was a promising but relatively unproven talent, yet MI showed faith in his unique skill set and raw potential. 

Over the years, that investment has paid off massively, with Bumrah evolving into one of the finest bowlers in world cricket. His pinpoint yorkers, ability to handle pressure, and consistency across all phases of the game have made him a cornerstone of Mumbai’s success. In hindsight, this signing stands out as one of the smartest and most impactful auction decisions in IPL history.