IPL 2020: 3 bargain buys who can prove to be game-changers for their sides

As the teams entered the auctions for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, the main focus was to fill in the gaps. There were some teams just looking to strengthen the bench, while some wanted players who can straightaway make a difference.

The teams playing it smart made the auction more interesting, as no single side can be regarded as an underdog in the upcoming edition.

The players unavailable last season due to the World Cup were available at this year's auction, and most international stars wanted to get into the IPL keeping in mind the T20 World Cup later this year. Some players like Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell and Chris Morris made huge money while some other impact players got sold as bargain buys.

Here, we look at three such buys who can create a huge impact for their teams:

#1 Tom Banton (KKR - Rs. 1 cr)

Tom Banton was bought by KKR at his base price of 1 cr

Tom Banton, the opener from Somerset, made headlines with his effortless hitting in the T20 Blast. He has been consistently featuring in T20 leagues around the globe since then.

Having a T20 strike rate of 157.65 and average of 32.81, Banton comes into KKR as a like-for-like replacement of Chris Lynn. KKR have always wanted someone who can go after the bowling and make the most of the powerplays, and Banton is a perfect candidate for the role.

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Batting alongside Lynn in the recently concluded BBL for Brisbane Heat, Banton at times overshadowed his more fancied partner with his blistering strokeplay. The pitch at the Eden Gardens, where the ball comes on to the bat nicely, will suit Banton's style of play too.

The young Englishman can turn out to be a trump card for his side, making the same kind of impact that Jos Buttler does for RR.

#2 Jimmy Neesham (KXIP - Rs. 50 lakh)

Jimmy Neesham was bought at his price of 50 lakh by KXIP

Kiwi all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is an invaluable asset to any limited overs team in the world, and him getting sold at his base price was surely a bargain buy.

KXIP did not have a seam-bowling all-rounder and also had issues with the finisher's role. Neesham comes into the side as someone who solves both the issues, being a regular middle overs bowler and a powerful striker coming in lower down the order. The pitch at Mohali will be suited to Neesham's style of bowling too, making his role even more important.

Neesham might not feature in every game for KXIP but he will be one of their most valuable assets come the business end of the tournament - a stage where KXIP have stumbled in the last two seasons.

#3 Tom Curran (RR - Rs. 1 cr)

Tom Curran will be a vital cog in the wheel for RR in the absence of Jofra Archer

Tom Curran has been a regular in England's T20 side for quite a while now and has a knack of picking wickets consistently. The designated death bowler has developed a number of variations and is clearly a better bowler than he was when he last played for KKR.

After a successful stint with Sydney Sixers, who were crowned champions in the recently concluded BBL, Curran played a key role in England's T20I series win over South Africa.

Rajasthan will hope for Curran to deliver in the absence of Jofra Archer. Moreover, he will most likely be handed over the number seven slot, and will have the task of giving his side a strong finish with the bat as well - which he is very much capable of.

Coming into the season with great form, Curran can certainly prove to be a game-changer for the Royals.