The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become one of the most popular and lucrative cricket leagues in the world since its inception in 2008. With each passing year, the excitement and anticipation for the tournament only seem to grow, and the upcoming 2025 mega auction is no exception. As we gear up for this highly anticipated event, let us take a trip down memory lane and look back at some of the smartest picks made by franchises in IPL auction history.
The IPL auctions have always been a platform for teams to build their squad and strategize for the upcoming season. It is a high-pressure environment where franchises have to make quick decisions and outbid each other to secure the best players for their team. Over the years, we have seen some brilliant picks that have turned out to be game-changers for their respective teams. Let us look at three such smart picks that have left a lasting impact on the league.
1. Sunil Narine – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
The first pick on our list is none other than the West Indian spinner, Sunil Narine. In the 2012 auction, KKR bought Narine for a mere $700,000, which was considered a gamble at the time. However, the move paid off as Narine went on to become one of the most successful players in the league. He played a crucial role in KKR’s title-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014, and also won the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award in the latter season.
Narine’s unorthodox bowling style, coupled with his ability to contribute with the bat, made him a valuable asset for KKR. He has consistently been among the top wicket-takers in the league and has played a crucial role in the team’s success over the years. The fact that KKR has retained him for all these years speaks volumes about the impact he has had on the team. Narine’s pick by KKR is undoubtedly one of the smartest moves in IPL auction history.
2. Jasprit Bumrah – Mumbai Indians (MI)
When the Mumbai Indians picked a young Jasprit Bumrah for a mere $66,000 in the 2013 auction, little did they know that they were getting a gem of a player. Bumrah’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of spectacular, and his journey with MI has been a major contributing factor. He started as a relatively unknown player, but his performances in the league have made him one of the best fast bowlers in the world today.
Bumrah’s ability to bowl yorkers at will and his unorthodox action have made him a nightmare for batsmen in the IPL. He has played a crucial role in MI’s success over the years, picking up crucial wickets in crunch situations. Bumrah’s pick by MI has been a masterstroke, and the fact that he has been with the team since the beginning of his career shows the trust and belief the franchise has in him. He has been an integral part of MI’s four title wins, and his pick in the auction has proved to be one of the smartest moves in IPL history.
3. Chris Gayle – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
The third pick on our list is the ‘Universe Boss’ himself, Chris Gayle. In the 2011 auction, RCB bought Gayle for $650,000, and it turned out to be one of the best bargains in IPL history. Gayle’s explosive batting style and his ability to hit sixes at will made him a fan favorite in the league. He played a crucial role in RCB’s journey to the final in 2011 and was also the top run-scorer in the league that season.
Gayle’s impact on RCB’s batting line-up was immense, and he played a significant role in the team’s success over the years. He holds the record for the highest individual score in an IPL innings (175*) and has scored over 4000 runs in the league. Gayle’s pick by RCB proved to be a game-changer, and he remains one of the most loved players in the league even today.
In conclusion, the IPL auctions have been a platform for teams to build their squad and strategize for the upcoming season. Over the years, we have seen some brilliant picks that have turned out to be game-changers for