IPL 2021 mini auctions saw teams shelling huge money on lesser-known players. These players were expected to lend the much-needed balance to their teams. Few high-profile signings did manage to stir up the pot but many disappointed. They not only failed to lend the balance to their squad but also failed to act as the missing puzzle in the jigsaw.

StumpsandBails looks at 5 players bought in IPL 2021 who failed to justify their high price tags.

#5 Riley Meredith (Punjab Kings)

Punjab Kings roped in Riley Meredith for INR 8 crores. He was bought in to add the much-needed spice to their bowling department. Meredith’s pace was supposed to be his biggest USP. But it proved to be otherwise. Meredith managed to pick just 4 wickets in 5 matches. To make matters worse, he conceded runs at 9.94. His inability to dent the opposition made Kings turn to Chris Jordan again.

#4 Tom Curran (Delhi Capitals)

Delhi Capitals roped in Tom Curran to add depth to their overseas pace contingent. Curran’s skills at the end overs are quite impressive. But Curran flattered to deceive in all the games he played. DC’s acquisition of Curran for INR 5.25 crores has proven to be very expensive.

#3 Kyle Jamieson (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Kyle Jamieson generated a lot of buzz during India’s tour of New Zealand in 2020. The allrounder was expected to fetch a good price in the auctions. But the INR 15 crores amount would have surprised even Jamieson. Even though Jamieson to his credit hasn’t done anything exceptionally bad but he has not done anything of substance either. He conceded 9.20 runs per over while picking up 9 wickets in 7 matches. RCB would surely have liked more from him.

#2 Shivam Dube (Rajasthan Royals)

Rajasthan Royals acquired Shivam Dube for INR 4.40 crores in the auction. Dube was expected to shore up the RR middle-order. He was bought in to ease the burden off Sanju Samson’s shoulders. But Dube did anything but that. He failed to get going in almost all the matches. His painstaking innings against MI cost RR the game. Dube proved to be a futile purchase for Royals.

#1 Jhye Richardson (Punjab Kings)

Punjab Kings bought Jhye Richardson for a whopping INR 14 crores in the auctions. He was Punjab’s most expensive buy in the auctions ever. Richardson was bought in to shore up their pace department. But he failed to do anything of note in the 3 games he played for Punjab. He was their only bowler from Kings who went in at more than 10 runs per over. Richardson proved to be one of the biggest disappointments of the season leave apart Kings.