Top 4 bargain buys by CSK over the seasons.

Chennai Super Kings are unarguably the most celebrated team in IPL history. Led by a talismanic captain MS Dhoni, CSK has lifted the IPL trophy thrice in the 11 editions held.

Every auction, amidst the extravaganza there are some value purchases. Chennai Super Kings are well known for the bargain buys they made over the seasons. A bargain buy is a term used to describe players who were bought for a lower price and exceeded our expectations.

It started right from the 1st auction when they bought the likes of Raina, Matthew Hayden, and Stephen Fleming for an affordable price. They have mastered the art of bringing in, players for a low price and assembling them as big stage players.

Here in this article, we take a look at some of the players who were labeled bargain buys.

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#4 Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi

Lungisani Ngidi, together with Kagiso Rabada, is the face of South Africa's perspective bowling attack. A tall, imposing paceman, Lungi Ngidi can reach speeds in the 140s kph and is as comfortable opening the bowling as he is at the death, making him one of South Africa's most promising prospect.

Ngidi made his Test debut against India at Centurion in January 2018, coming in for Dale Steyn, who had injured his heel. He finished with the perfect script, impressing everyone with his pace, hostility, and attitude.

Lungi made his T20 debut in January 2017 and was named the player of the match. CSK bought Lungisani Ngidi for his base price of INR 50 lakh and was quite impressive in his debut IPL season.

Ngidi continues to be a key component of South Africa's limited overs blueprint, especially with the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales in 2019. Ngidi is labeled as the best bargain buy this season as he was quite impressive in the death.

#3 Michael Hussey

Mike Hussey.

A late bloomer to the International cricket, Mike Hussey was one of the pillars of Australia's batting during their transition phase post-Ponting era. Chennai brought Mike Hussey for USD 350,000. He averaged around 84 in the inaugural edition of IPL.

In the 2010 Champions League Twenty20, Michael Hussey replaced Matthew Hayden and opened the innings for the side along with Murali Vijay. He played a crucial knock in the group-clash against the Chevrolet Warriors which was a must-win game for the Chennai Super Kings.

Michael Hussey won the Orange cap in 2013 edition, scoring a whopping 733 runs from his 17 innings. Fondly known as MR. Cricket, Hussey is the current batting coach of CSK.

#2 Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo is one of the most entertaining players in the world. He brings in Caribbean swagger to the IPL and bats with a typical West Indian flair.

Having played plenty of Twenty20 leagues all around the world, Bravo encapsulates the knowledge of the game and offers plenty of experience to the squad.

After plying his skills for the Mumbai Indians for the first 3 seasons, Bravo was taken up by CSK for USD 200,000 ahead of the 2011 IPL. From then he turned out to be a revelation for CSK, given his variety in bowling.

Bravo was the highest wicket-taker in the 2013 season scalping 32 wickets. Come 2018 player auctions, CSK once again showed their faith in him by using their Right-to-match card.

#1 Suresh Raina

Retained ahead of the IPL auctions 2018, Suresh Raina is a visual treat to the spectators in the shortest format of the game. A solid striker of the game, he possesses the rare quality of finishing the games.

Raina, picked by Chennai Super Kings for just $650,000, put on a stellar show in the inaugural edition of the IPL- the result of which was a comeback to the national side soon after.

The stylish stroke-maker scored 4985 runs in the 11 editions played and is the highest scorer of the IPL scoring 300 runs in each season.

Raina is the backbone of IPL giant Chennai Super Kings success. He has been one of the greats in IPL history, referred fondly as 'MR.IPL' due to his dominance in the tournament.