IPL 2019: Analysis of the 4 most expensive buys

The world's biggest cricketing fiesta - the Indian Premier League - is just around the corner.

The teams have spent big money yet again at the auction. Some of it was handsomely spent while some was squandered away. Some buys were expected while others were shocking.

Will the players prove to be worth their weight in gold, or will the owners regret repeatedly raising those paddles? Here are the 4 most expensive buys at IPL 2019, and a look at what value they would bring to their respective teams:

Rajasthan Royals: Jaydev Unadkat for INR 8.4 crore

Jaydev Unadkat

Once again the man has struck gold. For the second year in a row Jaydev Unadkat has been the most expensive Indian player to be sold in the auction.

Many have questioned whether this is an indicator of the scarcity of Indian fast bowlers or a testament to Unadkat's talent. While the Royals might have got him at a discounted price from 2018, the sum is still hefty.

With Unadkat not living up to the hype last year, the buy is risky. But in the auction it's not usually so much about the player as much as it is about what each team needs.

Nevertheless, Unadkat is still an experienced and talented campaigner who will certainly add to Rajastan's Indian bowling. Whether he is worth all that money is still to be proven.

Kings XI Punjab: Varun Chakaravarthy for INR 8.4 crore

An architect turned spinner has taken Indian domestic cricket by storm and made Preity Zinta break the bank. The Tamil Nadu mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy, is said to have 7 variations and he has been granted a crore for each one.

Chakravarthy has proven to be an economical wicket-taker from what we have seen so far. His skills will surely be put to the test in the IPL, and it is still to be seen where he will find his place in Punjab's already spin-heavy bowling contingent.

This move by the Kings XI could possibly pay great dividends, but evidence of that will only be found in the months to come.

Kings XI Punjab: Sam Curran for INR 7.2 crore

Sam Curran

A proven Test campaigner, Sam Curran was phenomenal against India with the red ball. However, his ability with white one is still to be proven.

Curran has all the makings of a successful T20 all-rounder. However, there are two pertinent questions around him: 1. Will he find a place in a team already packed with experienced white ball specialists such as Chris Gayle, David Miller, Andrew Tye, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Moises Henriques and Nicholas Pooran? 2. While there is great potential in him, is 7.2 crore too steep a gamble?

Whether his T20 skills will impress, we will have to wait and see.

Delhi Capitals: Colin Ingram for INR 6.4 crore

Colin Ingram

A global T20 specialist, Colin Ingram is a regular feature in leagues across the world. Since the start of 2015, Ingram has scored over 2700 runs in a variety of conditions.

He has grown in both experience and stature and is a vital asset to any team. Ingram has finally been given a chance to prove his mettle on one of the world cricket's biggest stages.

He has shown us he has what it takes, so will be the one to finally change Delhi's fortunes?