Virat Kohli is one of the highest-paid players in the world’s grandest T20 league – the Indian Premier League right now. He was in the U-19 Draft of the inaugural IPL auction which happened back in 2008. In that draft, there were only two categories for salaries – USD 50,000 and USD 30,000.
Kohli was in the USD 50,000 category. Delhi Capitals had the first pick, but they selected left-arm fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan over Virat. Royal Challengers Bangalore, who had the second pick, went with Virat. The rest as they say is history.
Very few players have more salary than Virat in 2022, but here’s a look at the six popular players of India who were auctioned in 2008 and ended up earning 10 times more money than Virat Kohli.
1. Ishant Sharma
Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma came into the limelight with his fantastic performances on the 2008 Australian tour. Sharma became very popular in the cricketing circles, and Kolkata Knight Riders shelled USD 950,000 to sign the tall pacer at the auction.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma was the vice-captain to Virat Kohli for quite some time. In 2007, Rohit won the ICC T20 World Cup with the Indian team. So, Deccan Chargers paid USD 750,000 to sign him.
3. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni was the most expensive player of the inaugural IPL Auction. Chennai Super Kings shelled out a massive USD 1,500,000 to sign him at the mega auction.
4. Irfan Pathan
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was in his prime when the 2008 IPL Auction happened. Punjab Kings paid USD 925,000 for his services.
5. RP Singh
RP Singh received a big contract worth USD 875,000 from the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural auction. He starred in DC’s IPL 2009 triumph.
6. Harbhajan Singh
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh bagged a big deal worth USD 850,000 in the first-ever IPL Auction. Singh remained with Mumbai Indians for 10 years.
