IPL 2019: Five players who were picked at base price but performed exceedingly well

Lungi Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings)

Lungi Ngidi is a South African player who was first discovered in the African Cup, a provincial T20 tournament where he ended as a second highest wicket-taker. The pacer made his T20 debut for the Proteas in 2017 against Sri Lanka where he was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant performance in a rain-hit match. However, it was his brilliant performance in the debut Test series against India in 2018 in Centurion, where he won the Man of the Match award. It earned him an IPL contract with CSK for the base price of 50 lakhs ($78,650).

The tall baller, although picked for such a low price, played his heart out for CSK by performing exceptionally well and hence contributing heavily in CSK’s record-equalling third IPL title in 2018. The 22-year-old bowler picked up 11 wickets in 7 matches at an excellent economy of 6 runs per over which is considered above par in T20 cricket. The youngster was definitely more than just value for money for his franchise owners.