We witnessed high octane action at the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The auctions saw South African- Chris Morris being bagged for a whopping 16.25 crores, which made him the most expensive buy in the history of the IPL. We also saw many young sensations make it to the grandest T20 League. Cricwizz bought you the list of Top 5 most expensive buys at the IPL 2020.
This time around let us have a look at how these players fared in their respective last global T20 league.
1) Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals)
The South African all-rounder is still the talk of the town after becoming the most expensive player to be bought in the IPL so far. He narrowly edged the previous record of the former Indian legend Yuvraj Singh, who went for 16 crores at the IPL 2015 auctions. But is the proteas all-rounder worth the price tag?
Let us take a look at his previous records at the IPL:
From his performance in the last seasons, it does become evident the all-rounder has not been a great force with the bat. But he has managed to pick up some crucial wickets and also keep the batsmen in check. Given His price, his 11 wickets have come at 0.9 Cr per piece which isn't exactly a bargain price.
Also, given that Chris Morris’s last international involvement came in the ODI against Australia in July 2019, the effect of not-so-regular cricket is yet to be seen. Finding it hard to get back into the international scene, domestic tournaments are the only source to practice his cricket.
The performances that translate to the fight for Chris Morris that was seen in the auction were yet to be seen. Even though having a decent outing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last IPL, he was not considered essential enough to be retained. Even though chances are slim, it remains to be determined if he will come worthy of his price.
2) Kyle Jamieson (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bangalore fought an intense battle between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to beat them in the bidding of Kiwi all-rounder Kyle Jamieson buying him for 15 Cr. Height is one of the major factors that strike you first about the Auckland pacer, But the opportunity in the IPL awaits to see if he can reciprocate his talents in the grandest T20 league in the world.
Let us take a look at his recent performances in the domestic T20 circuit
Never having yet to have played IPL, Kyle Jamieson’s only domestic T20 experience is from playing for Auckland Aces. And his recent performances haven't exactly lit up the league. His 5 wickets in the last edition came at 2.93 Lakhs per piece. Although, he was the leading wicket-taker in the 2018-19 Super smash series with 22 wickets from 10 matches.
The 6ft 8inch Kiwi recently shot up to prominence with his all-round performance during the test series against Pakistan. Scoring a half-century and picking up two 5-wicket hauls in his first four matches. He was also one of the key players for the kiwi nationals as he made his debut against India in February 2020.
Coming onto his own in recent time, He can be considered a fresh face and given time to prove his credentials. We could conclude Royal Challengers Bangalore has bought into his potential and it's up to the kiwi national to repay the faith shown in him and rise up to his sum. Excitement is sown, as the IPL awaits.
3) Glenn Maxwell (RCB)
Marquee player, Right team, and the right place. This is what can be said when Royal Challengers shelled 14.25 Cr to bag Glenn Maxwell. Looking for someone to share the load of AB de Villiers and fill the Gayle-sized gap. Bangalore threw everything and went after Maxwell. But not having exactly lit up the league with his performances, It’s yet to be seen if his game has the value of his figures
Looking at his recent IPL performances :
Playing for Punjab kings last season in the IPL, Glenn Maxwell didn't have any great performances and consistently failed to get off the mark. Scoring only 108 runs off 13 matches at an average of 8.3 per game, each run has come at a cost of 9.95 Lakhs/run. Having only similar success rates in his previous stint with Delhi Capital, Glen Maxwell has not translated his game well into the IPL.
Being one of the fastest scorers in world cricket, Glenn Maxwell has really established himself as a cornerstone for Australian Cricket limited edition sides. But his recent performances have taken a big hit and found the all-rounder wanting. Not exactly hitting his strides in the ongoing New Zealand T20 tour. But had a decent outing with three half-centuries to his name in his recent BBL participation.
Indeed covering the major gap of a spinning all-rounder, Maxwell has filled the Royal Challengers quota of the big three. But time will show, whether he has the performances to back the talk or is just the hype around the name. Before the auction, Maxwell did campaign himself to get into the RCB squad. But If his past showing is anything to go by, A tall mountain awaits for Aussie superstar Glenn Maxwell to justify his price.
4) Jhye Richardson (Punjab Kings)
An Aussie paceman who can consistently bowl at speeds of 140kph and has the ability to swing the ball both ways. We could say Punjab Kings have bagged themselves an electrifying bowler for 14 Cr. A fight ensued between Royal challengers Bangalore and Punbaj kings, As Punjab came out victorious when they bought him for almost 10 times his base price.
Let's take a look at his recent past T20 domestic performances:
The Aussie paceman had a stand-out year in the last edition of BBL, ending the tournament on a high by becoming the league’s leading wicket-taker with 29 wickets. With his exceptional performance, he helped his team be high up the table placed second. Although losing the finals, The Australian was a treat to the eyes as he showcased his talent of fast bowling as each wicket came at a price of 1.43 lakhs per wicket.
Consistently being among the wickets, earned him a call up to the international scene. Where he hasn't quite exactly exploded. But just being given the opportunity recently, time is on his side. Currently knocking on the doors of the Australian fast bowling big three Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, and Mitchel Starc, Big things can be expected of this young man.
Being the overseas fast bowler, Jhye Richardson will be expected to lead the Punjab Kings pace attack. He will be injecting some serious speed, but many will be wary how consistently he can trouble the batsmen in the Indian conditions. If he can translate any of the success he found into the IPL. He will be looking like a great buy for the Punjab kings team.
5)Krishnappa Gowtham (CSK)
The most expensive Indian player in this edition of the IPL auction being sold for 9.24Cr. Having the tag of a T20 specialist a few teams were in the mix for the capture of the player. The Knightriders and Sunrisers Hyderabad competed for the player, But it was the Chennai team that came out on top to boost the capture of Krishnappa Gowtham.
Taking a look into his past performances in the IPL:
Not exactly great performances in his past seasons but having occasional explosive cameos and great utility with the ball. Being an explosive lower-order batsman he has managed a few standout performances while his affinity to Harbajan for bowling has translated only in style and not exactly in performances. His 108 of the season has come at 9.95 lakh per run.
Not yet making his debut in the International circuit, his only experience around international stars remains from his past playing stints in the IPL. Although his familiarity with pitches around India playing the domestic leagues of India will serve him well and will be an ace up his sleeve.
Playing under legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni, Krishnappa Gowtham will have someone who will exactly know how to utilize his talents and transform him into an asset for the team. Equally excited to play under the Indian legend, He will be looking to raise his standard and repay the faith shown in him to justify his price tag.
