4 RTM buys who proved teams costly

Prior to the 2018 IPL auctions, every franchise was given an option of retaining players with a maximum limit of five using one of the two combinations -three pre-auction retentions and two RTMs (Right-to-Match card) or two pre-auction retentions and three RTMs .Either way,a franchisee can retain or use RTM for a maximum of three players in the auction.

Using an RTM card allows the players previous team to match the auction amount and sign them up,adding an intriguing level of strategy to the bidding process.

Here in this slider,we take a look at some of the RTM buys who either underperformed or warmed the benches throughout the season.

#4 Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda needs no introduction to the IPL followers.The former Rajasthan Royals player was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for an astounding INR 3.6 crores in the 2018 mega auctions.

Sunrisers used one of their three RTMs to retain him and find a way to solve the long lasting middle order batting woes.Known for his big- hitting abilities,Deepak was given the nickname 'Hurricane' for his ability to change the game in no time.

However everything didn't fell in line for him as his inability to convert starts into big scores made him give way to other senior men.

There were many players in Sunrisers ranks from the previous season whom they could have bought back instead of the Baroda all rounder,who scored a meagre 87 runs in 9 matches he played.

#3 David Miller

DD vs KXIP ,2018

Nothing captures the essence of David Miller more than the couple of catchphrases which he himself popularized after setting IPL 2013 on fire.He had been around for a while, but this was the season which catapulted him into the next level.

Miller is a left handed batsman,who is renowned for his power hitting.After his career turning knock in 2013 edition of IPL, he was the only player to be retained by Punjab going into the 2014 auctions.

The talisman went on to captain Kings XI Punjab in 2016 for the early part of the tournament, before being replaced by Murali Vijay due to poor results.

Despite having poor season with bat in 2017,he was retained by Kings for INR 3 crore. He was not included in the playing 11 most of the times as he played just 3 games out of 14.

#2 Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis

A right-handed batsman and a medium pacer by trade,Marcus Stoinis, is an Australian all-rounder who hails from Western Australia .He was quite instrumental in Australian outfit and was impressive in Big bash.

His efforts also earned him an IPL contract with Kings XI Punjab in the 2016 edition of the IPL. Despite finishing at the bottom of the table in the league stage,Stoinis did managed to create an impression for himself.

He went on to score 146 runs from his 5 innings at a strike rate of 135.18 and picked up eight wickets in seven outings.The performance helped him retain his place for the 10th and 11th edition.

Marcus was retained by Kings for a whooping INR 6.2 crore,which saw a huge bidding war for the Aussie all rounder.

Stoinis was unable to make an impact this IPL,scoring 99 runs and picking up three wickets with a terrible economy of 10.90 .It wouldn't be a surprise if he makes to the auction list next season as well.

#1 Kieron Pollard

Kireon pollard.

Pollard has always been a main stay at Mumbai Indians since his arrival in 2010 .But they made a huge mistake by using 1 of their 2 RTM cards on Kieron Pollard.

It came as a surprise to many as Pollard wasn't in the greatest of form leading into the tournament.Also, the fact that he wouldn't bowl anymore made the decision to buy him more perplexing.

There were many other players in the ranks of Mumbai from the previous season whom they could have bought back instead of the West Indian all rounder,who scored 133 runs from 9 matches he played.

As a result Mumbai had an extremely disappointing IPL season not making into the playoffs,despite possessing one of the stronger sides on paper.

It may hurt many Mumbai fans,but the fact that he is not the Pollard he was, Mumbai would be thinking to buy him back for a lower price or let him go.