IPL Auction 2018: 5 biggest bargain buys

Over the course of two days, eight franchises competed with each other to find the best combination for their team. The auction of the Indian Premier League always leaves fans startled. A few players were procured at a price which is beyond expectation and a few reputed international stars were left without any bids.

Let us take a look at some players who were the best bargains in this year's IPL auction.

#5 Colin Munro (INR 1.9 crore)

Former Kolkata Knight Riders player, Kiwi superstar Colin Munro was picked up by the Delhi Daredevils for a nominal price of INR 1.9 crores. Munro, who had a base price of INR 50 lakh, was expected to fetch a big amount of money after his recent heroics in T20 cricket.

The explosive left-handed batsman has featured in 154 T20 matches where he averages 30 with an impressive strike rate of 147. The New Zealander has scored three centuries in T20I cricket. Munro's exploits can be beneficial for the Delhi Daredevils as he can score quickly in the powerplay which will give Gautam Gambhir to play the anchor's role during the IPL.

#4 Ajinkya Rahane (INR 4 crore)

Rahane was retained by the Rajasthan Royals using the RTM card

The Rajasthan Royals have always worked on young players, Ajinkya Rahane was one of the players whom the franchise has groomed over the years.

Rahane had a base price of INR 2 crore and was retained by the Royals for INR 4 crore, using the Right to Match card. It was almost certain that the franchise would use the RTM card on the classy batsman.

Rahane can also be trusted to lead the side. He has scored over 3000 runs in the IPL at a wonderful average of 34 which is considered above par in T20 cricket.

Rahane can anchor the innings and can also take the aggressive route when needed.

#3 Trent Boult (INR 2.2 crore)

Trent Boult played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous edition of the IPL

The Kiwi pacer is amongst the best bowlers in world cricket currently. Boult had a base price of INR 1.5 crore and was bought by the Delhi Daredevils for INR 2.2 crores. The left arm quick has been in red-hot form in recent times. Boult has not had a proper taste of the Indian Premier League till now, he has featured in only 14 IPL matches so far.

Boult's athleticism on the field is an added advantage for all franchises. He can be handy with the new ball and can bowl lethal yorkers towards the end of the innings. Boult's late arrival in the auction gave the Daredevils the chance to get him for a throwaway price of INR 2.2 crores.

#2 Jos Buttler (INR 4.4 crore)

Jos Butler played for the Mumbai Indians in the previous edition of the tournament

The English wicketkeeper Jos Buttler is considered as one of the cleanest strikers of the ball. Buttler has been procured by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 4.4 crores. He is one of those wicketkeepers who can bat at any position in the batting order. He can be useful at the top during the powerplay and can bat in the middle or lower order to provide stability to the batting order.

Buttler is safe behind the stumps and has an average of around 27 in T20 cricket. His strike rate of about 140 makes him a special player. Buttler is expected to open the innings alongside Rahane who will anchor the innings. The Rajasthan Royals will be delighted to have the Englishman in their squad.

#1 Evin Lewis (INR 3.8 crore)

Evin Lewis has not featured in the IPL yet

The players hailing from the Carribean islands have a special mastery in T20 cricket. Evin Lewis is one of those players who garnered attention in the last one year due to his success in the shorter format. His hitting ability makes him a must in T20 cricket. Lewis is considered as Chris Gayle's second version. The West Indies opener has scored two centuries in T20I cricket, both against India.

Lewis has a magnificent strike rate of 146.06 with a brilliant average of 34 in T20 cricket. On his day, the opener can tear apart any bowling attack in the world.

Cricket pundits across the world were expecting Lewis to fetch a lot more than INR 3.8 crore but his late arrival in the auction helped the Mumbai-based franchise to procure him for a small amount.