If you look at the numbers now, it feels a bit surreal. Arshdeep Singh is currently pocketing a cool 18 Crore per season with the Punjab Kings (PBKS). But just a few months ago, during the 2024 season, the narrative was completely different. Back then, Arshdeep was arguably the most undervalued asset in the entire Indian Premier League.
Honestly, the Arshdeep Singh IPL 2024 price was a modest 4 Crore.
For a guy who was already leading India’s T20I attack and spearheading the PBKS bowling unit, that figure looked like a typo. It wasn’t, though. It was the result of a 2022 retention deal that stayed locked in for three years. While Mitchell Starc was fetching over 24 Crore in the 2024 auction, Arshdeep was running in for a fraction of that, despite being arguably more effective in Indian conditions.
The Reality Behind the Arshdeep Singh IPL 2024 Price
To understand why he was getting 4 Crore in 2024, you've gotta look back at the 2022 Mega Auction. At that time, Arshdeep was still categorized as an "uncapped" player by the Punjab Kings. They retained him for 4 Crore, which was a massive jump from his initial 20 Lakh salary in 2019, but it quickly became a bargain as he turned into an international superstar.
By the time the 2024 season rolled around, Arshdeep had 17 wickets from the previous season and a reputation for being a "death-over specialist."
His 2024 performance didn't disappoint either. He ended the campaign with 19 wickets in 14 matches. He was just two wickets away from winning the Purple Cap. Think about that. The guy was competing for the top spot in the league while being paid significantly less than several benchwarmers on other teams.
Why didn't his price change mid-season?
IPL contracts don't really work like corporate bonuses. Once you're retained at a certain bracket—like the 4 Crore slot Arshdeep occupied—that’s your paycheck for the duration of that cycle. Even though his value on the "open market" was skyrocketing, he remained at that fixed price throughout the 2024 tournament.
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It’s kinda crazy when you think about the ROI (Return on Investment) for Punjab Kings.
They were getting a world-class left-arm seamer for the price of a mid-tier domestic player. Most experts, including the likes of Akash Chopra and Simon Doull, frequently pointed out that Arshdeep was the soul of that bowling lineup. Without him, PBKS would have been even more inconsistent than they already were.
The 2024 Season: A High-Pressure Audition
The 2024 season was basically one long audition for Arshdeep. He knew the 2025 Mega Auction was coming up. He knew he had to prove he wasn't just a "swing bowler" but someone who could handle the absolute carnage of the death overs when the Impact Player rule was making 250+ scores common.
His economy rate did take a bit of a hit in 2024—sitting around 9.03—but you have to look at the context. He was bowling the hardest overs in the game. He was the one called upon when the game was on the line at the Mullanpur stadium or during those high-scoring thrillers at the Wankhede.
His 2024 stats at a glance:
- Wickets: 19
- Best Figures: 4/29
- Average: 26.58
- IPL 2024 Salary: 4 Crore
The disparity between his performance and his paycheck was the talk of the town. Fans were constantly debating whether he would stay with Punjab or look for a fresh start where he could finally get paid his "fair market value."
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From 4 Crore to 18 Crore: What Changed?
So, how did he go from 4 Crore in 2024 to being the most expensive retention/RTM for Punjab Kings in the 2025 cycle?
The answer is simple: The T20 World Cup 2024.
Immediately after the IPL 2024 season ended, Arshdeep flew to the USA and West Indies. He didn't just play; he dominated. He finished the tournament as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets, playing a massive role in India’s trophy-winning run. That performance changed everything.
When the 2025 auction rules came out, Punjab Kings made the shocking decision not to retain him directly. Instead, they let him go into the auction pool. It was a massive gamble.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) went all out for him, pushing the bid to 18 Crore. PBKS then used their Right to Match (RTM) card. They basically said, "We'll match whatever price is on the table."
That 18 Crore bid was a direct reflection of the value he built during the 2024 IPL season and the subsequent World Cup. He effectively quadrupled his salary in a single year.
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Is He Worth the Massive Pay Hike?
There are always two sides to the coin. Some skeptics argue that 18 Crore is too much for a bowler who can occasionally be expensive. However, left-arm pacers who can bowl 140+ kph and nail yorkers are a "rare commodity" in cricket.
If you look at his IPL career trajectory:
- 2019-2021: 20 Lakh (The Rookie Phase)
- 2022-2024: 4 Crore (The Underpaid Star Phase)
- 2025-Present: 18 Crore (The Elite Category)
Arshdeep’s journey is a classic example of how the IPL auction cycle can sometimes "trap" a player in a low-value contract until the next big reshuffle. He stayed loyal to Punjab through the 4 Crore years, and now he's finally getting the bag he deserves.
What most people get wrong about his 2024 price
A common misconception is that Arshdeep was "upset" about his 4 Crore salary in 2024. While he never complained publicly, it’s well-known in cricketing circles that he was highly motivated to prove he belonged in the top-tier bracket. His coach, Jaswant Rai, has often spoken about Arshdeep’s "diary"—a personal record where he tracks his goals.
By the end of 2024, he hadn't just ticked off "take 15+ wickets," but he had also cemented himself as India's premier T20 bowler. The price tag was just a lagging indicator of his actual talent.
Actionable Insights for IPL Fans and Analysts:
If you’re tracking player valuations, Arshdeep Singh's case study offers a few key takeaways:
- Watch the "Uncapped" retentions: Players retained as uncapped (like Arshdeep in 2022) often become the biggest bargains for franchises if they debut for India shortly after.
- The "Left-Arm" Premium: Always expect left-arm pacers to fetch 20-30% more than their right-arm counterparts due to the unique angles they create.
- World Cup Bump: Performance in an ICC event immediately following an IPL season is the single biggest factor in determining a player's price for the next auction cycle.
Check out the official IPL stats page to see how Arshdeep's 2024 wicket-taking spree compares to other high-earners like Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins. You'll quickly see why the 18 Crore price tag was inevitable.