IPL 2019: 3 players who have emerged as the signings of the season so far

Every team entered the auctions before the start of IPL 2019 with one agenda: to assemble a balanced team strong enough to lift the title. To that end, they went all out for certain players who fit the specific skill requirements of their squad.

Of all these new signings, a few players haven’t got the chance to play yet, a few are still adjusting with their new teams, and a few are already shining in the tournament.

Hence, let’s take a look at three players who have emerged as the top signings for their respective franchises.

Jonny Bairstow

After trading Shikhar Dhawan to Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad needed a solid opener in their squad. Sunrisers roped in English wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow for 2.20 Crore INR in the auction, and what a signing he has been for SRH so far.

Bairstow has already scored 198 runs in the 3 innings he has played so far, at an astounding average of 66 - including a superb hundred against RCB. He has stitched three hundred-plus partnerships at the top with David Warner in three innings.

Bairstow and Warner are the biggest reasons why SRH is in a strong position in the points table.

Sam Curran

Sam Curran (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.com)

Kings XI Punjab made Sam Curran the costliest overseas player of the auction when they bought his services at a whopping 7.20 Crore INR.

After trading Marcus Stoinis to RCB, KXIP needed a premier all-rounder in their ranks. And they sought to fill that gap through Curran.

Curran made his IPL debut against Rajasthan Royals in Punjab’s first match of the campaign. Although he proved expensive on the night, he came back strongly in his second spell to take 2 wickets and help Kings XI toppling the Royals from Rajasthan.

However, his best performance came last night against Delhi Capitals, where he took the first hat-trick of the season. Curran took 4 wickets while giving away only 11 runs, and helped the Punjab-based franchise complete a miraculous comeback.

With 6 wickets in 2 matches, Curran has already shown the world why Kings XI rated him so highly.

3. Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.com)

Yuvraj Singh is one of the most loved cricketers in India. With a die-hard fan following, he is not just a player but a brand himself.

Going into IPL 2019, not many expected Yuvraj to find any buyers in the auction, mostly due to his torrid spell at Kings XI Punjab last year. However, when Mumbai Indians bought him at his base price of 1 Crore INR, it gave Yuvraj’s IPL career a new lease of life.

The management of the Mumbai-based franchise is already showing immense faith in Yuvraj’s abilities, and the stylish southpaw has repaid every bit of it till now.

Yuvraj is turning back the clock with his classic performances this season. He already has a fifty against his name, but the highlight of his season so far was when he hit 3 consecutive sixes in Yujvendra Chahal’s over against RCB.

Mumbai Indians have had a lackluster start to their IPL campaign, and Yuvraj will have to deliver consistently if the team is to make it to the playoffs.