IPL 2023: Top 5 steal deals of mini auction

The intriguing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 auction concluded in Kochi after delivering some intense bidding battles among all the ten franchises. A total of 80 players were acquired by the franchises on the day of the event. Taking advantage of the event, all franchises splurged a lot of money to find their perfect team combinations to go ahead in the sixteenth edition of the IPL. In the second round of the marquee event, names like Sam Curran, Cameron Green, and Ben Stokes attracted big bids as expected. With a hefty sum of INR 18.5 crore, the English all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive player in the history of the auction. However, some franchises got a few steal deals too, which could prove to be beneficial for them in the upcoming tournament. Here are the top-five steal deals of this year’s mini-auction: 5. Sikandar Raza (Punjab Kings) This year has been incredible for Zimbabwe cricketer Sikandar Raza. The veteran looked solid and took his team to the Super 12 in the T20 World Cup 2022. In the Super 12 round too, he contributed with his outstanding spell of 4-0-25-3 against Pakistan to register a historic victory for his side in the T20 World Cup 2022. With this notable performance, he grabbed the attention of many followers of the sport. Before the end of the year, his work paid off and he got picked up by Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IPL 2023 auction at his base price of INR 50 lakhs. For the 36-year-old, the upcoming tournament will be a golden opportunity to deliver solid all-round performances to his team and become an important face of the league. For the franchise Punjab Kings, his vast experience and skills might play a vital role in lifting the team’s performance. The veteran, in his nine years of T20I career has played 66 games and scored 1259 runs at a strike rate of 128.86. With the ball, he has picked up 38 wickets at a decent economy of 7.18. 4. Philip Salt (Delhi Capitals) Phil Salt was roped in by Delhi Capitals (DC) at his base price of INR 2 crore. His responsibility in the team will be to strengthen the batting line-up with his aggressive batting. The 26-year-old will be supported by renowned names such as David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Prithvi Shaw, and Rishabh Pant. The franchise will expect him to play explosive innings for the team with the bat. Going through his profile, it can be said that the aggressive batter is capable of coming down heavily on the bowlers with his aggressive batting approach. His overall T20I numbers are also attractive as the English batter has amassed 245 runs in 13 games at a terrific strike rate of 161.18. His experience of playing in different leagues could bring great results for him and his IPL franchise as well. This year, with his highest knock of 88* runs against Pakistan, he gave a glimpse of his batting skills. In the 2023 edition of the cash-rich league, DC will look forward to witnessing similar showings from Salt's willow. 3. Kane Williamson (Gujarat Titans) Defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) will look to have yet another great season by clinching their second title. At the auction, they picked up Kane Williamson at his basic price of INR 2 crore. For Titans, the veteran could prove a great deal at this small sum. With his amazing batting skills, he could win a lot of games for the side. Among players such as Shubman Gill, David Miller, Matthew Wade, and Hardik Pandya and co, he has been a great addition to the GT batting line-up. Against quality bowling line-ups in the league, he will be expected to take the team forward with his spectacular batting technique.He has plenty of experience when it comes to playing in the IPL, which makes him a credible figure. Williamson too has a point to prove and will be eager to display his pedigree at Gujarat Titans under the leadership of Hardik. 2. Adil Rashid For Adil Rashid, the year 2022 has been fantastic as the England cricketer had a magnificent T20 World Cup. With four wickets in six games, at a superb economy of 6.12, he contributed to England’s World Cup victory. At the IPL mini-auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him at his base price of INR two crore.With his majestic bowling skills and longevity in terms of experience, he will be seen spearheading the spin department of the team. Going through his current form and potential, SRH will expect him to bag impressive bowling figures come IPL 2023. Talking about his T20I displays thus far, the 34-year-old has racked up 93 scalps in 92 T20Is at a decent economy rate of 7.42. In the next edition of the IPL, the SRH fans will expect the veteran to bring cheers to their faces and take the team ahead with his disciplined bowling. 1. Jason Holder (Rajasthan Royals) Jason Holder was left out of the retention list of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), last month, after the Windies all-rounder couldn't deliver as per their expectations in the 2022 season. However, due to his capability and reputation, he attracted a bid at the mini-auction and has now become a member of Rajasthan Royals (RR). The 2008 champions signed him for INR 5.75 crore. The team will count on him to provide support to the bowling line-up alongside Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, and Yuzvendra Chahal. As the 31-year-old can also bat well, the franchise will expect him to contribute a lot to the team with his batting in the lower middle order. At the mini-auction, his base price was INR 2 crore, but after an intense bidding battle between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), the latter sealed the deal by roping him in. For his national side the West Indies, the veteran has scored 385 runs and claimed 51 scalps in the T20Is thus far.

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IPL 2023: Top 5 steal deals of mini auction

There were quite a few franchises that were able to bag some steal deals at the mini-auction.

2. Adil Rashid

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