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

3. Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)

Again, in the 2015 IPL auction, the Mumbai Indians struck gold when they signed Hardik Pandya for just INR 10 lakhs, identifying his potential at a very early stage. What followed was a remarkable rise, as Pandya developed into one of the most impactful all-rounders in the league, contributing with both bat and ball in crucial moments. 

His career reached new heights during his stint with the Gujarat Titans, where he took on the captaincy role and led the team to an IPL title in their debut season, while also guiding them to another final. From a raw recruit to a title-winning captain and a key player for India, Pandya’s journey remains one of the most inspiring success stories in IPL history.