IPL 2023: 5 Players who were picked at their base price but could exceed expectations

In the recently concluded IPL 2023 auction, some players had a great time as they bagged lucrative deals from the franchises. Sam Curran, Cameron Green, Ben Stokes, and Harry Brook bagged huge bucks after delivering solid performances for their respective national sides last year. Before the auction, there were predictions that these names could be in demand among the franchises. Along with these players, some others were also expected to fetch big bucks at the mini-auction. However, these stars got sold at their base prices and became the steal buys for the buyers. For the franchises, these were blockbuster buys as they got the players with great potential by shelling lesser from their allotted purse. Going through the capability of these players, it can be said that they deserved to draw decent money at the event. However, they will now look to showcase their best and prove themselves to their respective franchises in the upcoming season. Here are 5 players who could’ve fetched big bucks at the mini-auction 5. Sikandar Raza In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Sikandar Raza produced some steller performances. He scored 219 runs and scalped ten wickets. Against Pakistan, the veteran also bowled an amazing spell (4.0-0-25-3) and played a huge role in his team’s historic victory. At the 2023 IPL auction, Raza put forward his name at a base price of INR 50 lakhs. Based on his experience and recent outings, cricket analysts were expecting him to trigger a bidding war among the franchisees. However, that couldn’t happen as only Punjab Kings (PBKS) showed interest in him and made him a part of their group for the upcoming installment of the league. The 2014 runner-ups secured Raza’s services for the upcoming tournament at his base price only. 2022 was the best year for the Pakistan-born Zimbabwe cricketer in T20 Internationals as he racked up 735 runs in 24 matches at an outstanding strike rate of 150.92. The 36-year-old showed his class as a bowler too, grabbing 25 wickets at an economy of 6.13. Considering his recent performances, the Kings might induct him into their playing XI to get some solid all-round performances. 4. Akeal Hosein The West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein was expected to fetch an eye-popping amount at the mini-auction. However, the 29-year-old couldn’t attract the majority of franchises at the event and went to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who picked him at his base price of INR 1 crore. For his national side, he has done well in T20Is by clinching 25 wickets in 32 matches at an impressive economy of 7.03. In the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) too, Hosein’s record is amazing as he has taken 42 wickets in 47 games at an economy of 6.10. However, the Caribbean player will consider himself fortunate as he bagged his maiden IPL contract finally after getting snubbed during last year's mega auction. In the upcoming IPL edition, the left-arm bowler will strive to be at his best outclassing batters with his left-arm off spin bowling. 3. Adam Zampa Last year, Adam Zampa faced disappointment as he didn't get a buyer at the 2022 mega auction. At the event, the franchises ignored the leg spinner despite his crucial contribution to Australia’s maiden T20 title victory. With 13 wickets in seven matches at a standout economy of 5.81, he helped the Aussies to lift the T20 trophy. Things changed for him at the mini-auction as Rajasthan Royals signed him for his base price of INR 1.5 crore. However, he could’ve received a hefty amount at the auction as his bowling figures in T20Is are excellent for Australia. The 30-year-old has scalped 82 wickets in 72 matches at an economy of 6.93. These magnificent T20I bowling figures of Zampa seemingly indicate that he could’ve attracted huge bids at the event held in Kochi. In the tournament, RR could assign him the job to bolster the spin department along with Yuzvendra Chahal. On the other side, he will also look forward to hunt the batters and help the franchise to achieve the prestigious IPL trophy after 15 years. 2. Adil Rashid This year, Adil Rashid will play in his second IPL season as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bought him at the 2023 IPL auction. The talented England leg spinner submitted his name for the event at a base price of INR 2 crore. In round three of the auction, Rashid’s name went under the hammer and SRH didn’t waste time to grab him. Before the mini-auction, the 34-year-old was expected to start a bidding war among the franchises as he looked marvellous for England in the 2022 T20 World Cup. In the marquee event, the leggie trapped four batters in six matches at a superb economy of 6.12. In the important semi-final game against India, he delivered a fantastic spell (4.0-0-20-1) for his team. Last year, he looked outstanding with the ball, claiming 19 wickets in 24 matches at an amazing economy of 7.50. In the IPL 16, SRH will expect him to showcase his bowling skills and become the best deal for them at the reasonable price. 1. Kane Williamson Kane Williamson had a shambolic IPL season last year as he delivered a flop show with bat notching up only 216 runs in 13 matches at a terrible strike rate of 93.50. As a skipper too, he couldn’t take his team to the playoff stage with only six wins in 14 matches. Witnessing his below-par batting and captaincy display, SRH cut ties with him ahead of the 2023 mini-auction. Looking at his overall batting numbers in the cash-rich league, he was expected to make it to the list of expensive players. With 2,101 runs in 76 IPL contests at a strike rate of 126.03, he could’ve tempted the buyers at the event. At the mini-auction, he was the first player to go under the hammer at his base price of INR 2 crore. The defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) seized the opportunity as they purchased the dashing Kiwi batter at a very cheap price. Now, GT fans are elated to see him with Hardik Pandya, David Miller, Rashid Khan, and Mohammed Shami in the forthcoming tournament to defend their title. For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS App Store and Google Play Store

Topics

Featured Section

Current Series

Cricket Fantasy Tips

Cricket Stats

IPL Teams

ICC Rankings

Interviews

Twitter Reactions

Cricket Appeal

Social Tracker

More Links

# Follow Us

Other Sports

IPL 2023: 5 Players who were picked at their base price but could exceed expectations

These players were expected to do great at the mini-auction and fetch lucrative offers.

4. Akeal Hosein

Latest Articles

Watch: Harshit Rana castles Travis Head with absolute ripper

Shastri, Akram get into light-hearted talk over abdomen hits

Kohli drops regulation catch of Labuschagne, apologizes