10 Most Budget Players in IPL 2023
10 Most Budget Players in IPL 2023 – The IPL 2023 final will take place on Sunday (May 28), featuring an intense battle between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT). The outcome of this match will determine whether GT secures their second consecutive IPL title or if CSK joins Mumbai Indians as the joint-highest IPL trophy winners with their 5th IPL title.
The IPL 2023 auction shattered all previous records when Sam Curran became the most expensive player in IPL history, commanding a staggering price of Rs. 18.50 crore. However, there were other players who secured relatively inexpensive deals but delivered exceptional performances. In this article, we highlight the top 10 most cost-effective players of IPL 2023.
Nehal Wadhera – 20 Lakh for MI
Nehal Wadhera actively participated as a player for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023, signing a contract worth Rs. 20 lacks. Throughout the season, Wadhera showcased his talent in 10 innings, primarily serving as an impact player.
He contributed significantly to the team’s success by amassing 241 runs at a strike rate exceeding 145. Additionally, the left-handed batsman achieved an impressive milestone of scoring 2 fifties during the season.
Suyash Sharma – 20 Lakh for KKR
Suyash Sharma actively contributed to the success of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023, being a valued member of the team with a contract worth Rs. 20 lakhs. Displaying his skills as a right-arm spinner, Sharma secured 10 wickets across 11 games, demonstrating an impressive economy rate of 8.23.
In one particular match, he achieved a notable milestone by taking a three-wicket haul. Throughout the season, Sharma consistently delivered effective spells, playing a crucial role in several games.
Yash Thakur – 45 Lakh for LSG
Yash Thakur actively contributed to LSG’s success in IPL 2023 as a valued member of the team, having secured a contract worth Rs. 45 lakhs. Over the course of 9 games, Thakur showcased his talent by claiming an impressive tally of 13 wickets for the team, earning him the position of the second-highest wicket-taker for LSG. With an economy rate of 9.07, he consistently applied pressure on the opposition batsmen.
Thakur’s pivotal performance came in a crucial match against Mumbai Indians, where he played a significant role in defending 11 runs in the final over. His exceptional bowling skills ensured victory for LSG, further propelling them to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Sikandar Raza – 50 Lakh for PBKS
Sikandar Raza actively joined Punjab Kings in IPL 2023, securing a contract worth Rs. 50 lakh. His inclusion in the team made him the sole representative from Zimbabwe to have the opportunity to play in the league. Raza showcased his cricketing prowess in 7 games for the team, making a significant impact.
He contributed with the bat by scoring 139 runs, including a match-winning fifty. Displaying an impressive strike rate of 141+, he consistently accelerated the team’s scoring rate.
In addition to his batting prowess, Raza also showcased his skills as a bowler, taking 3 wickets during the season. His all-round performance was instrumental in Punjab Kings’ campaign, demonstrating his versatility as a cricketer.
Piyush Chawla – 50 Lakh for MI
Piyush Chawla emerged as the star bowler for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023, displaying exceptional wicket-taking abilities even on the high-scoring home ground of Wankhede. Throughout 16 games, he showcased his prowess by securing an impressive tally of 22 wickets, earning him the distinction of being the top wicket-taker for Mumbai Indians in the tournament.
Despite the challenging conditions, Chawla maintained a respectable economy rate of 8.11, consistently applying pressure on the opposition batsmen. His outstanding performances played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians’ success in the tournament.
Naveen-Ul-Haq – 50 Lakh for LSG
Naveen-Ul-Haq captured the spotlight during the IPL 2023 season due to his altercation with Virat Kohli. Nonetheless, he also made a significant impact with his exceptional bowling performances for his team LSG. The IPL debutant secured a contract worth Rs. 50 lakh, earning him a place in the LSG squad.
Displaying his talent in 8 games, Naveen-Ul-Haq impressed with a tally of 11 wickets. The right-arm pacer maintained an impressive economy rate of just 7.82, consistently bowling tight overs to restrict the opposition’s scoring. His contributions were vital for the team’s success in the tournament.
Mayank Markande – 50 Lakh for SRH
SRH successfully acquired the services of Mayank Markande for a price of Rs. 50 lakh during the IPL 2023 auction. Markande proved to be a valuable asset for the team, showcasing his skillset in 10 games. With a commendable economy rate of just 7.89, he made an impact by claiming 12 crucial wickets. Impressively, Markande emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker for SRH in the season, following Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s lead.
His exceptional performances surpassed the expectations set by many renowned players within the SRH squad. Markande’s contributions were integral to the team’s overall success in the tournament.
Mohit Sharma – 50 Lakh for GT
Mohit Sharma proved to be a game-changer for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023, making a significant impact on the team’s performance. The seasoned Indian pacer, who last participated in IPL 2020, displayed his prowess by securing an impressive tally of 24 wickets in 13 games.
Sharma’s remarkable performances were further highlighted by his excellent economy rate of just 7.89. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable milestone by claiming a five-wicket haul during the season. Considering his price tag of Rs. 50 lakh, Sharma can be considered a remarkable value-for-money investment for GT in IPL 2023.
Ishant Sharma – 50 Lakh for DC
Delhi Capitals acquired the services of Ishant Sharma for Rs. 50 lakh in IPL 2023. The experienced Indian pacer made an immediate impact, securing 10 wickets in just 8 games. With an impressive average of 20.60 and an economy rate of 8.24, Sharma consistently applied pressure on the opposition batsmen.
One noteworthy performance came in a game against GT, where Sharma showcased his skill and determination. Defending a mere 12 runs in his final over, he displayed exceptional bowling prowess, leading his team to a crucial victory.
Ajinkya Rahane – 50 Lakh for CSK
Ajinkya Rahane stands out as the first cost-effective player of IPL 2023, given his exceptional performance despite his low price. CSK acquired Rahane for a mere Rs. 50 lakh. Demonstrating an impressive strike rate of 169+, Rahane showcased his batting prowess by amassing a staggering 299 runs in 10 innings, including two match-winning half-centuries.
Rahane proved to be a valuable asset for CSK, especially in the initial stages, as he seamlessly filled the void at No. 3 after the underperformance of Ben Stokes. His contributions played a crucial role in maintaining CSK’s batting stability and provided the team with a solid replacement.
Rivcky John
A prominent figure in sports journalism for the last two decades. Cricket Analyst & Writing News, Features, Match Previews/Reviews/Reports, And Opinion Pieces on Cricket. You can connect with him on Facebook also.