Best XI of players from IPL auctions ever who were bought at a relatively lesser price

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become the second biggest event in the format after the T20 World Cup. From around the world, the players look to establish themselves through performances in this league. This makes the tournament a huge spectacle.

An interesting part of this league is that it is not only about the sport and the skills that the players have. The price tag also comes into play during the auctions. Some players are over-priced, and some are undervalued.

Establishing the right strategy is important for every franchise when they go into the auctions. If they fail to create a strong team, there is an enormous loss for the owners. Adding on, they have to bear the embarrassment during the league stage as well. But, in a few cases, a few lesser-priced players went on to play useful roles.

Let’s have a look at the best XI of the players who were bought at a relatively lower price, but became match winners in the IPL:

1. Brendon McCullum: INR 3.25 crores, 2014, captain and wicket-keeper

Credit for the rise of New Zealand cricket over the past few years should be given to Brendon McCullum. Since he was drafted into the national squad during the early 2000s, he had a fearless attitude in him. This made him a destructive batsman in every format.

During the first match of the IPL, he smashed 158 runs against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. This set the stage for the league to become one of the most prominent sporting leagues around the world. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders sold him to the Kochi Tuskers.

After Kochi Tuskers were debarred from the IPL, he was bought by the Chennai Super Kings during the 2014 auction. For INR 3.25 crores, Brendon was a bit underpaid. This is mainly because he was at his peak during that stage. In the very next year, he guided the Kiwi side to their first-ever ICC World Cup final.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad: INR 20 lakhs, 2019

Ruturaj Gaikwad was the highest run-getter for the state of Maharashtra during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2018-2019 season. He is not a powerful batsman, but his timing and presence of mind do the job for him. Currently, he is the most important batter for the Chennai Super Kings and is their future.

Gaikwad was not given a chance during the 2019 season. He had to warm the benches as prolific batsmen were doing the job for CSK. In the previous year, as CSK were going through their worst phase, Gaikwad was given a chance.

2021 was the year for Gaikwad as he won the Orange Cap with 635 runs for CSK. With an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26, he was scoring runs at a consistent pace. But, a value of INR 20 lakhs for a consistent performer was a good bargain for CSK.

3. Chris Gayle: INR 2.97 crores, 2011

Chris Gayle is the brand ambassador of the format. Over the years, he has broken numerous records and has been a proven match-winner. But, he was at his destructive best for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

During the auction for the 2011 season, he went unsold. This was a shock as he was a prominent match-winner for the West Indies. But, later on, RCB drafted him for the season. He went to score 608 runs for the Bangalore-based franchise.

In that season, he was scoring at a strike rate of 183.13. With 2 centuries to his name, he became the backbone of the franchise. Over the next few years, he was at his destructive best as he scored 733 runs in the next season. Therefore, it was nothing short of a masterstroke by the management.

 4. Manish Pandey: INR 1.7 crore, 2014

Manish Pandey was a part of India’s U19 World Cup campaign in 2008. In 2009, he became the first Indian to score an IPL century as he smashed 114 runs against the Deccan Chargers. After being a solid middle-order batsman for RCB, he went to play for the Pune-based franchise.

But, his breakthrough season came in 2014 as Kolkata bought him for INR 1.7 crores. Even though he is not a power hitter, he was able to anchor the innings for KKR. This made him an asset for the side.

During the final, he scored 94 from 50 balls to help Kolkata to lift their second title. Adding on, he is an excellent fielder and was able to save some runs for his bowlers. This made his inclusion during the 2014 season worth it for the franchise.

 5. Rahul Tripathi: INR 10 lakhs: 2017

The Rising Pune Supergiant were in a horrible situation during the 2016 season. Even with many match-winners in their squad, they were unable to gain any momentum. As a result of which the captain was changed and Steve Smith took the charge.

During the auction, the management bought Rahul Tripathi, a batsman from Maharashtra, to make his debut. With 14 games under his name during the season, he smashed 391 runs with a strike rate of 146.44. During the whole season, he provided the team with solid starts.

Apart from that, he is an excellent fielder as well. With a team comprising of many international stars, Rahul complimented them beautifully. A price value of 10 lakhs is less for 391 runs in a season.

 6. Andre Russell: INR 60 lakhs, 2014

Yes, you have read that right, a player of Andre Russell’s caliber was sold for just 60 lakhs during the auction just before the 2014 season. Even though he was not a part of Gautam Gambhir’s plan, but the 2015 season was all about him. He became a complete match-winner for Kolkata.

In 2015, Russell scored 326 runs at a strike rate of 192.89. Adding on, he picked 14 wickets at an economy of 7.96. This performance was nothing short of spectacular.

Now imagine buying a player like Russell at INR 60 lakhs. Without any doubt, this is the best bargain anyone could ask for. Kolkata found their gem in the form of Russell.

 7. Dwayne Bravo: INR 1.4 crores, 2011

A price value of INR 1.4 crores looks small when one sees the name ‘Dwyane Bravo‘ along with it. Bravo has been a legend of the format with over 400 wickets to his name. His presence in the squad boosts the morale of the whole team as well.

Bravo was bought by CSK during the 2011 auction for a mediocre price. This was an excellent purchase for the Kings as he went on to become a core member of the squad. In 151 IPL games, he has scored 1537 runs at a strike rate of 130.25.

Adding on, he took the responsibility of bowling at the death. This took off the pressure off captain MS Dhoni. Along with numerous abilities, he is a superstar of the game and the franchise, and hence he is the premier all-rounder of this playing XI.

 8. Hardik Pandya: INR 10 lakhs, 2015

Hardik Pandya had one of his worst seasons in the IPL in the 2021 edition. But, do not let one poor outing make you believe that he is overrated. Hardik Pandya is all about brute force and sheer timing.

In 92 games, Pandya has scored 1476 runs with a huge strike rate of 153.91. Currently, he is one of the richest Indian cricketers. But, it started with an INR 10 lakh bid from Mumbai Indians.

During the first season, he smashed Pawan Negi all around the park to make a statement. Since then, he has been MI’s backbone. Talking about his bowling, he has picked 42 wickets in 92 games and has continued to serve his franchise with a 100 percent effort.

9. Deepak Chahar: INR 80 lakhs, 2018

Deepak Chahar is now one of the integral members of the Chennai side. With the mega auction coming up, there is a big question if the management will decide to retain him or not. But, over the years, he has been exceptional for CSK.

During the 2018 auction, he was bought for INR 80 lakhs. In that season, he picked 10 wickets in 12 games and bowled economically. With the bat, he scored 50 runs with a strike rate of 172.41.

He can bowl during the powerplay and pick wickets regularly. On rare occasions, if he fails to grab any wicket, he ensures that he does not leak runs. Therefore, he is a valuable asset for any team.

 10. Amit Mishra: INR 1.35 crores, 2011

Amit Mishra’s story will always be associated with his legendary IPL performances. Over the years, he has been a proven match-winner. He was so accurate during the 2013 season that he was drafted into the T20 World Cup side.

Leg spinners have always been match-winners for their side. But, Mishra went the extra mile by becoming the highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL with 166 wickets. Over the years, he has been highly economical with an economy rate of 7.35.

During the auction just before the 2011 season, Mishra was sold to Deccan Chargers. In that season, he picked 19 wickets at an average of 18.84. Hence, the move to buy him was nothing but brilliant for the management.

 11. Jasprit Bumrah: INR 1.2 crores, 2014

Cricketers with unorthodox actions have always caught the eye of the media. But, the story of Jasprit Bumrah is nothing but extraordinary. The skinny bowler picked the wicket of Virat Kohli during his first outing. since then, he has never looked back.

He bowled alongside Lasith Malinga and learned some craftsmanship from the legend. Within a couple of years, he was drafted into the national side down under. In 106 games, he has picked 130 wickets. Currently, he is the best bowler in the country.

In 2021, bowlers look up to Bumrah as their role model. This rise has been inspirational and is a result of hard work and perseverance. A price value of 1.2 crores for someone who was spotted by John Wright is quite a steal by the Mumbai Indians management.