IPL 2018: Bargain overseas buy who have lit up this season

Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle

There have been many millionaires in this season of the IPL. While a few have justified their price tags, many have failed to do so. As always, there are many surprising price tags for the well-established players. This is mainly because of their form prior the 2018 auctions, last season's run and their age.

But these players have once again proved that age and form are temporary, but class is permanent. Let us now look at the players who have performed extremely for their low price tags. these players have actually been the bargain overseas buy of this season.


Chris Gayle (Kings XI Punjab)

Chris Gayle, the Universe Boss played for the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise for the first three editions of the IPL. After that, he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore for seven seasons and had a highly successful stint with them. Gayle won the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer twice during his stay at RCB (in 2011 and 2012).

After a mediocre 2017 season, he was released by them prior to the 2018 auctions. The Kings XI Punjab bought Gayle at his base price for INR 2 crore.

It was a surprise that a batsman like Gayle remained unsold for the most part of the auctions. Considering his form in this season, this is a bargain-buy for the Kings XI, who are one of the title contenders in the season eleven.

Gayle, who did not feature in the first three Punjab games, announced his arrival in style against the Chennai Super Kings. In four matches so far, the flamboyant Jamaican has scored 252 runs at a strike-rate of 161.53, that includes two half-centuries and an astonishing century. Indeed, a bargain buy for Preity Zinta's side!

Shane Watson (Chennai Super Kings)

Shane Watson
Shane Watson

Shane Watson had a successful eight-year stint with the Rajasthan Royals (2008-2015), after which he moved to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016 due to the two-year suspension of Royals from the IPL.

Watson, who had a mediocre stint with RCB was released prior to the 2018 IPL auctions. He was bought by the Chennai Super Kings for INR 4 crore at the auctions. In the game against his former franchise- Rajasthan, Watson scored a superb century 106(57), which included nine fours and six sixes and brought up his century in just 51 deliveries.

Watson was the Man of the match for his wonderful century which set up Chennai's win. Coming in as an opener this season, Watson has been tremendous with the at the top for Chennai laying the platform for their middle-order.

He has been consistent with the bat scoring 191 runs in six matches so far at a strike-rate of 161.86. Also, the Queenslander has taken six wickets in as many games for Chennai at an economy of 8.23. The Aussie seems to be the best overseas signing of this season for Chennai.

Trent Boult (Delhi Daredevils)

Trent Boult
Trent Boult

The Kiwi left-arm pacer has been one of the very few positives for the beleaguered Delhi Daredevils franchise this season. Boult, who has played for the Sunrisrers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders in the past, was bought by the Daredevils for INR 2.2 crore at this year's auctions.

He has represented the Blackcaps in 25 T20I matches so far, is not an experienced campaigner when it comes to the IPL. But his performance for Delhi this season has been magnificent.

In seven matches so far, Boult has taken 11 wickets and is the current leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps at an economy of 8.74. Boult has been excellent with his pace, swing and variations this season.

Both Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer will be hoping that the Purple cap stays with the Kiwi speedster for the rest of the tournament.

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