Indian Premier League (IPL)

IPL 2020 Auction: The Best Value For Money 11 of the Tournament

IPL 2020 Auction: David Miller to Captain the best ‘value for money’ 11 from the list of players sold at the auction.

A total of 62 players bagged contracts at the recently concluded IPL 2020 Auction in Kolkata. While 33 Indian players attracted bids at the event, 29 overseas stars were picked by the franchises.

IPL Auctions are never short of surprises. While the bids for certain players can shockingly go sky-high, at times, a few players get picked at paltry amounts by the franchises, way low than their deserving amount. 

In this article, we focus on those players who cost very cheap for their respective teams at the IPL 2020 Auction. They are experienced in this format, and hence, we consider them as ‘value for money’ picks at the auctions.

So, basis list of  players, we have compiled the best value for money 11 from IPL 2020 Auction. Surprisingly, this costs less than Piyush Chawla’s salary (Yes, you heard that right). Also, please note that we would stick to playing 5 Batsmen, 6 Bowlers & All-rounders in this line-up with focus only on selecting potent value for money players.

OPENERS

#1: Josh Philippe (RCB)- INR 20L

RCB were after Alex Carey in the opening part of the auction. However, after they couldn’t land him, the team invested INR 20L on Sydney Sixers wicket-keeper, Josh Philippe. The youngster has been doing well in the ongoing Big Bash, and could get a few games in the IPL next season.

#2: Tom Banton (KKR) (WK)- INR 100L

For all the hype that existed before the auction, KKR’s success in getting Tom Banton at his base-price was a bit of let down for those who were expecting a bidding war. Tom Banton is a terrific wicket-keeper batsman, who is known for his consistent big-hitting skills.

Tom has also been brilliant in the Vitality Blast and  Big Bash League. At INR 100L, he is a steal for KKR, and a perfect replacement for Chris Lynn. If the player can get a few games at the Eden Gardens,he is for sure to become more exciting next season.

MIDDLE-ORDER

#3: Rahul Tripathi (KKR) – INR 60L

Rahul Tripathi’s IPL form had taken a dip in the last two seasons; predominantly  because of improper batting-order. However, he now has an opportunity to make amends at KKR, if given an opportunity to open alongside Narine or Gill. 

#4: Saurabh Tiwari (MI)- INR 50L

Although not in excellent form, Saurabh Tiwari might be a valuable selection for Mumbai, considering their inexperienced middle-order. Mumbai Indians required a few domestic backups to their middle-order, and having played for them before, Saurabh looks an ideal pick. 

#5: David Miller (RR) (C) – INR 75L

The ‘steal of the day’ definitely belonged to the Rajasthan Royals, who picked up David Miller at his base price of INR 75L. On his day, Miller can be on par with the best batsmen in the world. While he is in a rough patch currently, his potential with the bat can never be undermined. Additionally, his terrific fielding contributions are well known off.

ALL-ROUNDERS

#6: Deepak Hooda (KXIP)- INR 50L || #7: James Neesham (KXIP)- INR 50L 

KXIP have done well to stock up its lower middle-order with two quality signings in the later part of the auction,Deepak Hooda and James Neesham. Both are supremely talented T20 all-rounders, and for INR 50L, they are a steal for  KXIP. 

While Deepak will provide yet another domestic batting option for Anil Kumble, Neesham could turn out to be a vital bowling all-rounder for the team at No.7. Deepak’s off-spinners and Neesham’s efficient medium-paced deliveries would serve well for the team during the middle-overs.

BOWLERS

#8: R Sai Kishore (CSK)- INR 20L

After a marvelous show in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, R Sai Kishore stretched his good form to the SMAT as well. He picked up 20 wickets at an economy under 5 in the tournament. Getting him at INR 20L was probably the best buy for CSK on the day. In fact, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see Sai play ahead of Bhajji and Santner in the CSK line-up on rank turners. 

#9: Ishan Porel (KXIP)- INR 20L

Bengal’s Ishan Porel was one of the main reasons for India’s U19 success a few years ago. The youngster has been doing well in domestic competitions too. The exciting fast-bowler is a good prospect for KXIP to develop and help him learn a lot from his state-mate, Mohammed Shami.

#10: Mohit Sharma (DC)- INR 50L

Delhi Capitals picked up Mohit Sharma in the accelerate auction round for INR 50L. Although the Haryana bowler is not in good form, with the wealth of experience he possesses, Mohit can be of good use to DC. While he will mostly serve as a backup for Ishant Sharma, Mohit could also start a few games on the slow wicket at Delhi.

#11: Andrew Tye (RR)- INR 100L  

Andrew Tye’s injury might have made the franchises stay away from the speedster. However, if he is back to full fitness, the Aussie will be a useful bowler. Rightly so, RR picked the player as a backup for Jofra Archer for INR 100L.

So, that’s the best value for money 11 from the list of players bought at the IPL 2020 Auction. 

The Best ‘Value for Money’ 11 of IPL 2020 Auction: 

Josh Philippe, Tom Banton (WK), Rahul Tripathi, Saurabh Tiwari, David Miller (C), Deepak Hooda, James Neesham, R Sai Kishore, Ishan Porel, Mohit Sharma, and Andrew Tye. 

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ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Auction Buys and Complete Squad list of all Teams


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