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.
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.
Download Our App