While the IPL Auction often grabs the headlines with its record-breaking bids and shocking snubs, the IPL trade window—a quieter, more tactical affair—sometimes sets the tone for a franchise’s success. Behind the scenes, teams shuffle players like chess pieces to optimise balance, plug gaps, and—sometimes—snag a bargain.
The most profitable trades in IPL history are not just about buying low and winning high; they’re about recognising untapped potential, fitting players into the right role, and getting the timing right. Let’s delve into the 10 most profitable trades where franchises gained maximum return from smart player movements.
10. R Ashwin – KXIP to DC (2020)
- Previous Team: Kings XI Punjab
- New Team: Delhi Capitals
- Trade Type: Cash deal (~₹7.6 crore)
- Impact:
- Provided control in the middle overs
- Key in DC’s bowling plans as they reached the 2020 final
The reason this was profitable was because of Ashwin’s experience, tactical acumen, and variety bolstered Delhi’s spin attack. He mentored younger bowlers and added leadership on the field.
9. Harshal Patel – DC to RCB (2021)
- Previous Team: Delhi Capitals
- New Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Trade Type: Pre-auction trade
- Impact:
- 32 wickets in 2021 – tied Dwayne Bravo’s record
- Won the Purple Cap
DC had underused Harshal; RCB saw his death-over value. He became their go-to weapon and one of the season’s biggest impact players. Cost-effective and match-winning.
8. Devdutt Padikkal – RCB to RR (2022)
- Previous Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- New Team: Rajasthan Royals
- Trade Type: Auction buy at ₹7.75 crore
- Impact:
- Scored 376 runs in 2022, played as a middle-order stabiliser
- Adapted to new roles outside his usual opener position
While the jury is still out long-term, DDP gave Rajasthan a quality left-hander in the middle order, a rarity in Indian cricket. A future investment that provided some immediate value.
7. Robin Uthappa – RR to CSK (2021)
- Previous Team: Rajasthan Royals
- New Team: Chennai Super Kings
- Trade Type: Cash deal
- Impact:
- Match-winning 63(44) in Qualifier 1 vs DC (2021)
- Crucial 31 in the final vs KKR
- Provided calm, experienced backup to Gaikwad/Faf
CSK didn’t use him in the league stage but unleashed him at the perfect time. His calm presence under pressure played a vital role in CSK’s fourth title.
6. Trent Boult – DC to MI (2020)
- Previous Team: Delhi Capitals
- New Team: Mumbai Indians
- Trade Type: Cash trade
- Impact:
- 25 wickets in IPL 2020
- Player of the Match in the 2020 Final
- Wrecked teams in power plays with a deadly swing
Boult filled the left-arm fast bowling void and partnered perfectly with Bumrah. A calculated trade that added teeth to MI’s bowling unit and helped them lift the trophy.
5. Quinton de Kock – RCB to MI (2019)
- Previous Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- New Team: Mumbai Indians
- Trade Details: Traded for ₹2.8 crore
- Impact:
- 529 runs in 2019, 503 in 2020
- Key part of MI’s back-to-back title wins (2019 & 2020)
- His aggressive starts gave MI huge power-play advantages
MI got a world-class wicketkeeper-opener for a bargain. Quinton’s chemistry with Rohit at the top laid the foundation for MI’s dominance.
4. Dinesh Karthik – GL (via RCB) to KKR (2018)
- Previous Team: Gujarat Lions (earlier part of RCB)
- New Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Trade Type: Bought in 2018 auction for ₹7.4 crore
- Impact:
- Took over the captaincy
- Led KKR to the playoffs in 2018
- Reinvented himself as a finisher and calm leader
Karthik offered leadership and stability during a transitional phase. Though not a trade in the technical sense, it was a brilliant acquisition that brought high returns both on the field and tactically.
3. Shikhar Dhawan – SRH to DC (2019)
- Previous Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
- New Team: Delhi Capitals
- Trade Details: Traded for Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem & Abhishek Sharma
- Impact:
- 521 runs in 2019, 618 in 2020, 587 in 2021
- First-ever back-to-back IPL centuries in 2020
- Helped DC reach their first IPL final (2020)
DC got an elite Indian opener with excellent form at a crucial time. SRH gave up a proven anchor and didn’t gain equivalent value in return.
2. KL Rahul – RCB to KXIP (2018)
- Previous Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- New Team: Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings)
- Trade Details: Released by RCB; signed for ₹11 crore by Punjab
- Impact:
- 659 runs in 2018, 593 in 2019, 670 in 2020 (Orange Cap winner)
- Became Punjab’s captain and face of the franchise
RCB couldn’t foresee KL’s explosive potential at the top order. Punjab turned him into a batting mainstay and captain. One of the best trades for a team looking to build around an Indian core.
1. Shane Watson – RCB to CSK (2018)
- Previous Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- New Team: Chennai Super Kings
- Trade Details: Released by RCB; bought in 2018 auction by CSK for ₹4 crore
- Impact:
- Scored 555 runs in IPL 2018
- Unforgettable 117 in the 2018 Final*, leading CSK to their third title
- Stayed with CSK till 2020 as a reliable top-order power hitter
CSK picked Watson at a modest price when many thought he was past his prime. His match-winning performances, especially the 2018 final century, paid massive dividends. RCB, in contrast, failed to use him effectively and let go of a match-winner.
Stats Table
| # | Player | From Team | To Team | Trade Year | Price/Trade Type | Key Impact (Runs/Wkts) | Profitability Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shane Watson | RCB | CSK | 2018 | ₹4 Cr (Auction buy) | 555 runs in 2018 | Century in IPL 2018 Final; match-winner in playoffs |
| 2 | KL Rahul | RCB | KXIP (PBKS) | 2018 | ₹11 Cr (Auction buy) | 659 (2018), 670 (2020) | Orange Cap, team captain, face of franchise |
| 3 | Shikhar Dhawan | SRH | DC | 2019 | Traded (3 players swapped) | 521 (2019), 618 (2020) | Consistent Indian opener; back-to-back 100s |
| 4 | Dinesh Karthik | GL/RCB | KKR | 2018 | ₹7.4 Cr (Auction buy) | 498 runs (2018), captaincy impact | Led team to playoffs, key finisher |
| 5 | Quinton de Kock | RCB | MI | 2019 | ₹2.8 Cr (Cash trade) | 529 (2019), 503 (2020) | Crucial to MI’s 2019 & 2020 title wins |
| 6 | Trent Boult | DC | MI | 2020 | Cash deal | 25 wickets (2020) | Player of the Final, deadly in powerplay |
| 7 | Robin Uthappa | RR | CSK | 2021 | All-cash trade | 63 in Qualifier, 31 in Final (2021) | Veteran presence; playoff clutch performer |
| 8 | Devdutt Padikkal | RCB | RR | 2022 | ₹7.75 Cr (Auction buy) | 376 runs (2022) | Promising Indian left-hander, middle-order depth |
| 9 | Harshal Patel | DC | RCB | 2021 | Pre-auction trade | 32 wickets (2021) | Purple Cap winner; death overs specialist |
| 10 | R Ashwin | KXIP | DC | 2020 | ₹7.6 Cr (Cash trade) | 13 wickets (2020) | Purple Cap winner, death overs specialist |
