IPL: 5 Instances when expensive players in auction failed miserably

Well, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), some cricketers do receive very inflated contracts. Thanks to the limited supply or because of auction dynamics, their contracts become quite overwhelming. Such signings also then add significant pressure and enormous expectations. As a result, many individuals also then malfunction.

In fact, in the ongoing 15th edition of the cash-rich league, the Mumbai Indians batter- Ishan Kishan has been the latest victim. Overall, it’s very seldom that such players make every penny-worth of their whopping salaries. Even in IPL 2021, it was only Glenn Maxwell who performed brilliantly amongst the other most expensive cricketers. On that note, let’s check out the five instances when the most expensive players in auction failed miserably.

5 instances when the most expensive players in auction failed miserably in IPL

1. Yuvraj Singh – INR 16 crore, IPL 2015 (DD)

Before receiving this mega amount, Yuvraj Singh was already the most expensive player in the 2014 auction. The red-army had provided INR 14 crore to bag this prolific all-rounder. In return, Yuvi had an impressive season scoring 376 runs at an average of 34.18. However, in the next 2015 auction, Delhi bought Yuvraj at an even higher package of INR 16 crore.

While aiming for a big turnaround, Yuvi’s all-round skills looked tailor-made for the franchise. That’s why at any cost Delhi wanted the southpaw to don the Daredevil’s jersey. But in response, the batter just scored 248 runs at a poor average of 19.07. Even his strike rate of 118.09 was found very underwhelming.

Overall, throughout the season, Yuvi also disappointingly made just two fifties. The cricketer who is admirably known for smashing sixes just belted 10 in total. All in all, such an awful stint with Delhi is also Yuvraj’s worst full IPL season to date.