IPL 2020: 5 major steal deals from the auction

#4 James Neesham (KXIP)

James Neesham

Country - New Zealand

Type - All-rounder

Base Price - ₹50 lakhs

Sold at - ₹50 lakhs

James Neesham is a medium-fast all-rounder who has been a vital cog in New Zealand's recent success. Kings XI Punjab boasts of an explosive and dynamic top-order with names like Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal while their bowling department is led by India's in-form fast bowler Mohammad Shami and Windies' Sheldon Cottrell.

As such, the only missing link for them was their middle order and all-rounders who can form the core at 4,5 and 6. The franchise did what was expected of them when they bought players like Glenn Maxwell and James Neesham. Neesham can provide quick runs at the death overs and can provide 3-4 overs of seam bowling which would be very useful at the Mohali Stadium. Though his IPL career hasn't been a hit, his recent form for New Zealand in T20 cricket gets him on this list.

Statistics in T20s:

Matches - 114

Runs - 1615

Highest - 59*

Average - 25.23

Strike Rate - 138.86

Wickets - 108

Economy Rate - 9.17