IPL 2018: 5 cheap buys of this year who can have a great impact on their team

History will testify that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is not only about the big names for whom a team has to pay a huge sum of money. It is often about the cheap Andre Russells and Ben Cuttings who become unlikely heroes for their sides.

Not all teams want them to be a part of their side at the start of the season, but become well aware of their capabilities by the end of the season.

This cycle repeats every season, and there were some budget picks this time around as well, who can become match-winners for their respective franchises.

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#5 Shakib Al Hasan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Shakib Al Hasan

As SRH's mentor VVS Laxman mentioned at the auctions, the Bangladeshi stalwart is one of the most underrated cricketers of his generation. Shakib is equally good with the bat and the ball, and is a safe fielder as well, which makes him a complete package.

He has been playing in the IPL from 2011, and his career economy rate in the IPL is just over 7 runs per over. He can be pretty handy with the bat as well, which is reflected in his IPL career average of over 20, with a strike rate of above 130.

He was bought by the 'Orange Army' this year for just Rs. 2 crores and might become a regular feature in their team.

#4 Colin de Grandhomme (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Colin de Grandhomme

Like Shakib, another ex-Knight Rider Colin de Grandhomme is competent both with the ball and the bat. The Kiwi all-rounder debuted in IPL last season but didn't have a great turnout. However, he has shown his ability in the international circuit.

Grandhomme is known for his sheer power and prowess in hitting the ball out of the park. His T20 career strike rate is over 150 and he will be expected to do the job of a finisher for RCB, who bought him for just Rs 2.2 crores.

#3 Imran Tahir (Chennai Super Kings)

Imran Tahir

Just like the coach of CSK, I was left baffled at how Imran Tahir was sold at his base price of Rs 1 crore, after the scintillating season he had last year with Rising Pune Supergiant. The leggie from South Africa impressed everyone with his economy rate of under 8 runs per over, but what was more impressive was his average of just over 20.

Tahir picked up 18 wickets in 12 wickets, and his known to pick up wickets when needed the most. It is assumed that Chepauk will be a spinner's heaven, hence Tahir can become Dhoni's trump card.

#2 Faf du Plessis (Chennai Super Kings)

Faf du Plessis

Besides Tahir, another Protea who was a steal in this year's auction was Faf du Plessis. The South African captain was sold for just Rs 1.9 crores, and CSK coach Stephen Fleming was wise enough to use the Right To Match (RTM) card for his old warrior.

His IPL career average is over 30, which shows that he is very dependable with the bat. His strike rate of nearly 130 also proves that Faf can provide stability and rigidity to the innings.

Apart from his batting, du Plessis is one of the best fielders in the world. He is expected to be a vital member of the 'Whistle Podu' army this year.

#1 Chris Gayle (Kings XI Punjab)

Chris Gayle

The West Indian might be old now, as he is inching close to his 39th birthday, but he can still be deadly in the shortest format of the game. After remaining unsold initially, Gayle was finally sold to Kings XI Punjab in the very last round of the auction.

Gayle spent his best years of IPL between 2011 to 2015, when he used to intimidate the bowlers. He isn't quite the intimidating giant as he used to be, but can still offer some lightning and thunders before he finally bids adieu to cricket.

When he was sold for his base price of Rs 2 crores, a roar of applause filled the auction room. It showed that every team wanted Gayle to be a part of the IPL and entertain the crowd, like he usually does.