IPL: How has Rahane's league fee changed over the years?
What's the story
Ajinkya Rahane's brand value in IPL has been quite a ride. He rose from a nobody and took everyone by storm. In 2016, RPS picked him for Rs. 9.5 crore. But in last one year, his utility has been questioned. This perception led to Rahane fetching a bid of only Rs. 4 crore in 2018. Here we look at Rahane's journey in IPL.
Struggles
2008-2010: An unknown entity
The first three seasons for a young 19-year-old Rahane did not pay much dividends. In 2008, he was bought for a meagre sum by Mumbai Indians since he was an uncapped player. He got a handful of chances in the first two years and made only 10 appearances. In 2010, he missed the IPL and frankly he was not even missed in the tournament.
The rise
2012-2013 Rahane's rise as an IPL hero
In 2011, uncapped Rahane was bought by Rajasthan Royals but he had a poor campaign. He scored 120 runs in 10 matches. But the player, who made his debut for India later in 2011, had a solid domestic campaign. In 2012, Ajinkya showed his class and smashed 560 runs that included a ton. In 2013, 488 runs by Rahane helped RR reach the play-offs.
Information
RR retain him for a big sum in 2014
The Royals retained Rahane in 2014 for Rs. 7.5 crore after the heroics, he had displayed with the bat. He scored 339 runs in that season but Rajasthan failed to reach the play-offs. However, Rahane's stock in the IPL was on rise.
Vital cog
2015-2017 Rahane's vitality improves
Rahane amassed 540 runs in 2015, slamming 4 fifties in the process. He kept his standards high and repaid Rajasthan's faith. After Rajasthan's suspension that season, Rahane was picked by Pune in 2016 for Rs. 9.5 crore. He had decent outings in 2016 and 2017. However, he has become a victim of perception. Once again, we believe he will prove his critics wrong.