IPL 2018 Auction: Top 5 value-for-money buys of all-time in IPL

The Indian Premier League is 10 years old and this year will see the 11th edition. One thing that is as exciting as the matches, is the auction that takes place before it.

IPL auctions in these 10 years have seen some international players not being picked and domestic cricketers who haven't played international cricket being picked for a huge price.

Let's have a look at some of the best buys.

#5) Shaun Marsh (USD 400,000)

Marsh is the highest run-getter for Kings X1 Punjab

Shaun Marsh started his IPL career with Kings XI Punjab and has continued in the same team for 10 years. He has been a huge success for the Punjab team and has been retained by the side for that entire time.

The left-hander has had a brilliant record in IPL, scoring 2477 runs in just 71 matches at a brilliant average of just under 40. He has won a number of matches for the Kings XI side and was instrumental in taking his team to the Semifinals of the 1st edition.

Marsh has won two Orange Caps for himself as he was the highest run-getter in IPL 1 and IPL 3. Though he hasn't yet taken his team to the IPL title, he has been among the best performers in IPL and has the second-best average among batsmen who have played more than 50 matches.

#4) Mitchell McClenaghan (INR 30 Lac)

McClenaghan has provided his team with breakthroughs whenever necessary

Mitchell McClenaghan was bought by Mumbai Indians for 30 lacs in the 2015 IPL Auction. He was indeed a prized pick at such a low price and he has proved to be an extremely useful player for the Mumbai side.

The pacer has picked up 54 wickets in 40 matches at an average of just 25 and has won his side a number of matches. He has proved to be a match-winning pace bowler for the Mumbai Indians side.

The New Zealander initially partnered Lasith Malinga and formed a potent bowling combination with him, later when the Sri Lankan was injured he took over the entire responsibility and was the leading pacer for the team.

#3) Sunil Narine (USD 700,000)

Narine was the main reason behind KKR winning IPL in 2012 and 2014

Sunil Narine was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012 at a price of 700,000 USD. He had been subsequently retained by KKR in the 2014 auctions as well before being released for the 2018 auction.

The spinner was bought in 2012 and was an instant success as he picked up 24 wickets in 15 matches in his very first season at a stupendous average of 13 and an economy of 5.7. He continued his brilliant run the next year as well, picking up 22 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 16 and an economy rate of 5.5.

Narine picked up 21 wickets in the 2014 season too.

The West Indies ace was the most important player for the KKR side as he single-handedly took his side to the championship in 2012 and 2014. He was the most successful bowler in both seasons, winning Purple Caps in both 2012 and 2014.

#2) Matthew Hayden (375,000 USD)

Hayden made the Mongoose bat famous in India

Matthew Hayden was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the 2008 IPL Auction for a price of 375,000 USD. He brought not just his batting talent with him but his experience, and his aggressive style would have been a huge boost to any team.

The left-hander had amassed 1107 runs in 32 matches at a brilliant average of 36. Hayden was the Orange Cap winner in the 2009 edition and was instrumental in taking his team to the championship in the 2010 edition.

The Australian was a huge success in IPL and his bond with CSK is forever to stay. His performances made him a household name in Chennai and was indeed a great addition at such a low price for the Chennai side.

#1) Dwayne Bravo (USD 200,000 )

Bravo dazzled the Chennai crowd with his All-round performances

Dwayne Bravo was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the year 2011. An all-rounder of the calibre of Bravo at just 200,000 USD was a steal at the time of auction itself, but the value he added to the Chennai side in the forthcoming years made this buy even more significant.

The all-rounder has scored 706 runs in 61 matches at an average of 24 and a strike rate of 143. He has scalped 79 wickets in 61 matches at an average of 22. Bravo has won a number of matches for the Chennai side with both bat and ball.

Bravo bowled all of his overs at the death and played a majority of his innings at the fag end of the innings. He was extremely successful in both and had played an important role in taking his side to the semifinals every year since his inclusion.