IPL: How has Rohit's league fee changed over the years?
What's the story
Like skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's fee in the Indian Premier League has seen a steep increase in the last decade.
The opening batsman, who has been a star performer for Mumbai Indians, was awarded a Rs. 15 crore contract for the 2018 season.
It is just Rs. 2 crore behind Kohli's sum. Here is how Rohit's league fee has changed over the years.
Jackpot
Rohit in the big mix since 2008
Even in 2008, Rohit Sharma was a hot property.
He fetched a final bid of Rs. 4.8 crore ($750k) in the auction that year and was purchased by the Deccan Chargers.
The 21-year-old Rohit, back then, was acquired for his raw talent.
He repaid the faith, put in him by DC, by scoring 404 runs, which included four fifties, in the inaugural edition.
Growth
In the next two years, Rohit grew considerably
2009 may not have seen Rohit bag as many runs as the 2008 edition, but he played a crucial role in helping his side seal the title.
He still managed to score 362 runs and the knowledge gained under skipper Adam Gilchrist helped him immensely.
2010 was another bumper year, as he plundered 400+ runs.
With his performances, he had justified his price-tag.
Success
2011-2013: Rohit in a different dimension altogether for MI
In 2011, he was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 9.2 crore. His match-winning knocks had made him a rising-star.
In next two seasons, he scored 372 and 443 runs. From there on, Rohit became the focal point.
In 2013, MI handed over the reins to Rohit after 10-games. He repaid the favor by bagging the title and smashing 538 runs in the process.
Trophy winner
2014-17: Rohit steals the show for Mumbai Indians
After the emphatic title victory in 2013, Rohit was retained by MI in 2014.
The skipper helped the side reach play-offs but they were eliminated by CSK.
In 2015, MI were outstanding as they won their 2nd title.
In 2016, he smashed 489 runs but MI finished fifth.
The following year, it was another title finish for MI and Rohit scripted a telling story.
Data
What about 2014 and 2018 auctions?
In the 2014 auction, MI retained Rohit for Rs. 12.5 crore, the highest available slab for the top player from every franchise. In 2018, the skipper was retained for the second time by MI. Rohit's Rs. 15 crore sum is the second highest alongside Dhoni.