Top 5 Value for Money Players in IPL History

Value for Money Players in IPL History

Top 5 Value for Money Players in IPL History: The highly anticipated TATA IPL 2024 is just around the corner, scheduled to commence on the 31st of March. The shortest format of the game, T20 cricket, is all about strategic moves and effectively managing the players.

In a tournament as fast-paced and filled with world-class talent as the TATA IPL, there is no need to teach the players the fundamentals of the game. Rather, the focus lies on managing their mental state and ensuring they are in the right frame of mind to deliver their best performance.

Top 5 Value for Money Players in IPL History

Over the years, several players have proven to be a steal for their respective teams, despite being paid less than their counterparts. These “value for money” players have time and again showcased their talent and made significant contributions towards their team’s success. Want to know who these players are? Let’s take a closer look:

#1. Hardik Pandya for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2014

The TATA IPL 2015 witnessed a remarkable emergence of a young cricketer who would later become a star player in the Indian National cricket team. Hardik Pandya, a relatively unknown player at the time, was picked up by the Mumbai Indians as a fringe player for 10 lakhs. However, it was the astute scouting process of the team that led to his selection, and what followed was a journey of spectacular growth and success.

Hardik Pandya’s talent was discovered during the Baroda Cricket Association camp, where he was practicing and giving trials for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 games. It was during this time that John Wright, the former New Zealand cricketer, and Mumbai Indians’ talent scout, laid his eyes on Hardik. And it was a match made in heaven.

Hardik’s true potential came to the fore during the TATA IPL 2015, where he impressed everyone with his all-round abilities. In a game against the Chennai Super Kings, Hardik scored a blazing 60 and single-handedly won two games for the Mumbai Indians with his bat, while also contributing with the ball.

Today, Hardik Pandya is not only a vital member of the Mumbai Indians but also the Indian National cricket team. He has come a long way from being a fringe player to now being the captain of the Indian National team, thanks to his hard work, dedication, and the faith of the Mumbai Indians in his abilities.

#2. Venkatesh Iyer for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020

The TATA IPL 2020 was a season to remember, especially for one young cricketer who dominated the entire UAE leg of the tournament. Venkatesh Iyer, fondly known as Venky, was a breath of fresh air in a tournament filled with world-class players. His talent and passion for the game shone through in every match he played.

Venky’s journey to the TATA IPL was not an easy one. He chose to drop out of a full-fledged career in the commercial world to pursue his dream of playing cricket. And boy, did he make the right decision! He was sensational, and his opponents had a tough time figuring out how to deal with him. Venky was the out-of-syllabus question that every team struggled to answer.

Playing for KKR, Venky was a game-changer. His performances helped the team establish a different identity during the UAE leg of the tournament. His all-round abilities and exceptional fielding skills made him a valuable asset to the team. Venky’s confidence and enthusiasm on the field were infectious, and his teammates rallied behind him to achieve their goals.

Venkatesh Iyer IPL Performance

Matches 10 
Runs 370 
Average 41.2 
Strike Rate 128.9 
Best 67 

#3. Harshal Patel for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021

The TATA IPL 2021 season was a memorable one for Harshal Patel, the young cricketer who went from being a base-priced player to a record-breaking superstar. Harshal played the entire season for a base price of only 20 lakh rupees, but his performances on the field were worth millions.

Harshal’s exceptional bowling skills earned him the coveted purple cap, an honor bestowed upon the player with the most wickets in IPL 2021. But that’s not all, Harshal now shares the joint record for most wickets in an IPL season alongside the legendary Dwayne Bravo. All this for just 20 lakh rupees? Now that’s what we call real value for money.

Harshal was an elite player in the TATA IPL 2021 season, and his slower ball was a nightmare for the opposition batters. It was almost like a peak Dwayne Bravo was bowling, and the batters struggled to pick it up. His bowling was a masterclass in deception and control, and his opponents were left in awe of his talent.

#4. David Miller for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022

The TATA IPL 2022 season witnessed a remarkable turn of events for the Gujarat Titans, all thanks to their star player, David Miller. Miller, who was bought for just 3 Crore Indian rupees, was struggling to find his form back then. But little did anyone know that this value pick would turn out to be the game-changer for the Titans and lead them to their very first TATA IPL victory.

Miller’s purchase was a steal, and his current market value now floats between 10 to 12 Crore Indian rupees. His performances on the field were exceptional, and he did most of the scoring for the Titans in the middle order. He proved to be a reliable and consistent player, one that the Titans could rely on in crucial moments.

His contributions were instrumental in the Gujrat Titans victory in their very first season of IPL. Miller’s hard work and dedication paid off, and he proved that sometimes, it’s not about the price tag, but the impact that a player can have on the team.

David Miller IPL Performance

Matches 16 
Runs 481 
Average 68.7 
Strike Rate 142.3 
Best 94*

#5. Mitchell McClenaghan for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2016

The Mumbai Indians have had several star performers over the years, but one player who has often gone unnoticed is Mitchell McClenaghan. McClenaghan has been a reliable replacement bowler for the team, and his performances have often gone underrated. But in the TATA IPL 2016, McClenaghan proved that he was not just a replacement player, but a value pick for the IPL team.

McClenaghan was bought for 1 Crore Indian Rupees, his registered base price. But his performances on the field were worth so much more. He proved to be one of the best value picks for the Mumbai Indians, and his stats are a testament to his talent and skill.

David Miller IPL Performance

Matches 56 
Wickets 71 
Economy 8.4 
Average 23.4 
Best  4/21