IPL is a platform that provides opportunities to budding talent. It is the grandest cricketing show in the world. IPL franchises have often splurged big money on popular cricketers but the move hasn’t always paid off. There have been certain exceptions like Mahendra Dhoni and Virat Kohli who have justified the high price tag. But largely the big-ticket players have more often than not flattered to deceive. It is the lesser-known players who have used the IPL to establish themselves in world cricket.
We at StumpsandBails will look at the 5 most valuable buys of all-time in IPL:
#5 Kane Williamson (INR 60 lakhs)
Kane Williamson in 2015 had already established himself as one of the leading batsmen in the world. He was part of the famed quartet of batsmen (Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root being the other 3) who was set to dominate world cricket. But even under those circumstances, Williamson was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchisee for a paltry sum of INR 60 lakhs. He wasn’t a regular member of the side back then. In 2018 the SRH management retained Williamson and yet he was paid just INR 3 crores, a season where he led the team. It surely is one of the most valuable player deals in the IPL.
Also Read | 5 Legends Who Flopped In IPL
#4 Hardik Pandya (INR 10 Lakhs)
Hardik Pandya was an unknown entity when he entered the IPL player auctions in 2015. He was bought by the Mumbai Indians for a mere sum of INR 10 lakhs in 2015. Pandya immediately restored the faith shown by putting in match-winning performances for the side. He was paid the same sum of money until 2017. Pandya’s salary was revised to INR 11 crores in 2018 when the MI management decided to retain him. This jump shows how Pandya set the stage on fire for MI.
#3 Dwayne Bravo (92 Lakhs)
Dwayne Bravo is perhaps one of the best T20 all-rounders the game has ever seen. He plied his trade for Mumbai Indians from 2008-10. But in 2011, the Chennai Super Kings acquired the services of Bravo for just INR 92 lakhs. It was a great steal that CSK were able to get Bravo for such a small sum as the all-rounder helped the side win two IPL titles in 2011 and 2018.
#2 AB de Villiers (1.2 Crores)
AB De Villiers had started creating an impact on world cricket in 2008. He had a stellar 2007 World Cup where he had amassed 372 runs at a strike rate of 100. Villiers was one player who demanded attention. The Delhi Daredevils punted on him and brought him for a measly sum of INR 1.2 crores. Villiers is easily one of the most valuable players of the IPL. To imagine that he was purchased for just INR 1.2 crore is surely a deal.
Also Read | All-Time Best And Worst Buys In IPL
#1 Jasprit Bumrah (10 Lakhs)
John Wright was the one who discovered Jasprit Bumrah and recommended his name to the MI management. Bumrah was an absolute unknown in 2013 who had a weird slinging action. There were hardly any takers for him then. But the MI franchisee showed faith in the speedster and brought him for a miserly sum of INR 10 lakhs. The rest as they say is history. Bumrah is not just one of the leading bowlers in the IPL but also in the world.
