IPL 2020 auction: 5 most expensive overseas signings in the T20 league’s history

#4 Sunil Narine -- ₹12.5 crore

Sunil Narine

The mystery spinner from West Indies, Sunil Narine joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012, and has been with the franchise since. Ahead of the 2020 auction, he was retained by KKR for ₹12.5 crore. Narine did amazingly well for KKR in the initial years, picking up picking up 24, 22 and 21 wickets respectively in 2012, 2013 and 2014 with his unreadable variations.

While the numbers of wickets have dried up in recent years with the controversy around his bowling action and teams getting used to his style and variations, Narine has added another asset to his game. Starting with 2017, he was promoted to open the innings, a move that no franchise could see coming. With his unorthodox batting, Narine notched up 224 runs in 2017 and 357 in 2018 at strike rates of 172.30 and 189.89 respectively.

The runs didn't flow as freely in 2019 as he could manage only 143 in 12 matches. With the ball as well, Narine ended up with just 10 scalps. KKR though have kept their faith in him.

#3 Steve Smith -- ₹12.5 crore

Steve Smith

Ahead of the 2020 auction, Steve Smith has been retained by Rajasthan Royals for ₹12.5 crore. After missing out on the 2018 season owing to the ball-tampering ban, Smith not only returned to Royals in 2019, but was also replaced Ajinkya Rahane as captain mid-way through the season. He had a reasonable run with the bat, making 319 runs in 12 games at a strike rate of 116.

Given the form that he is, Royals will expect much more from Smith in the coming season. Smith had a sensational season in 2017, playing for Rising Pune Supergiant as Royals were suspended from the IPL. He took over the team’s reins from MS Dhoni and led the side to the final, making 472 runs in 15 games.

Smith made 51 in the final against Mumbai Indians, but RPS fell inches short of the victory line. Royals would be seeking similar magic from Smith.