5 most successful low-budget signings in IPL history

1. Chris Gayle

West Indies powerhouse Chris Gayle was a budget signing for RCB in IPL 2011, joining as a replacement of the injured Dirk Nannes for just INR 30 lakh. He went on to dominate the season, scoring 608 runs in 12 matches at an average of 67.55 and a strike rate of 183.13.

This thunderous performance with the bat also helped RCB enter their first-ever IPL final, where they unfortunately lost to Chennai Super Kings. Gayle continued his dominance over the next two seasons, smashing over 700 runs each year, proving that this low-cost signing was one of the best bargains in IPL history.