5 unsold players from 2018 who went for big money in IPL Auction 2019

The much-hyped IPL Auction 2019 ended with the franchises buying as many as 60 players for the available slots of 70 players. Besides that, a lot of players went unsold in the auction which included the likes of Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, Brendon McCullum, and the list continues. This time around, the IPL auction happened to be a strange one as the franchises overlooked a lot of quality players while making some surprise signings as well.

The stars of the auction were Varun Chakaravarthy and Jaydev Unadkat who happened to be the joint-most expensive signings at the Auction at INR 8.4 Crore. While Varun went to Kings XI Punjab, it was a home-coming for Unadkat as he got back to Rajasthan Royals who released him ahead of the auction.

However, these weren't the only surprises at the 2019 IPL Auction. The franchises made plenty of surprise signings with quite a few players, who went unsold in 2018 IPL Auction, grabbing deals worth more than INR 1 Crore.

Thus, in this feature, we will have a look at five players who went unsold in IPL Auction 2018 but managed to strike a hefty deal in the IPL Auction 2019.

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#5 Jonny Bairstow

SRH opted in for Bairstow for IPL 2019

Jonny Bairstow, the right-handed wicket-keeper batsman from England, went unsold in 2018 IPL Auction. However, this time around, the Englishman managed to strike a fair deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Hyderabad-based franchise acquired the services of Bairstow at INR 2.2 Crore.

Although Jonny (if he is a part of England's WC 2019 Squad) would be heading back home after the first half of IPL 2019, the deal seems to be legit as SRH was missing a quality wicket-keeper batsman in their ranks. Besides, Hyderabad has also acquired a backup option for Bairstow in Wriddhiman Saha who will be at SRH's disposal after the departure of Bairstow.

The Englishman has been a fiery batsman in the shorter formats of the game. To add to it, he also possesses exceptional wicket-keeping skills which makes him a definite addition to SRH's playing XI at least for the time he is available.

#4 Lasith Malinga

Home-coming for Malinga!

Sri Lankan fast bowler, Lasith Malinga, failed to attract bidders at 2018 IPL Auction before being acquired by Mumbai Indians as a bowling mentor. However, his fortunes changed in this year's auction as Mumbai once again opted for the services of the Sri Lankan legend, but this time as a member of their squad unlike IPL 2018.

Mumbai Indians bought Malinga for INR 2 Crore. Will Malinga find a place in Mumbai's playing XI remains to be seen, but he will unquestionably a decent addition to their squad as he will be sharing a lot of inputs for the other young pacemen in Mumbai's squad.

Lasith has an incredible IPL record. Having featured in more than 100 IPL games - 110 to be precise, Malinga has picked up 154 wickets at an average of 19.01, strike-rate of 16.61, and an economy rate of 6.86. He also has four 4-wicket hauls and a solitary 5-wicket-haul to his name with the best figures being 5 for 13.

#3 Colin Ingram

Colin Ingram has been a treat to watch in shorter formats of the game

Colin Ingram, a powerful batsman from South Africa, saw his IPL fortunes take a drastic turn as he managed to grab an INR 6.4 Crore ($ 0.913 Million) deal with Delhi Capitals for IPL 2019. The deal happened on the back of Ingram's extraordinary record in T20s in 2018 for various T20 franchises across the globe.

Colin Ingram played eight games in the recently concluded T10 League where he amassed 117 runs at a decent average of 23.40 and an exceptional strike-rate of 225.00. He enjoyed a similar record in the inaugural edition of Afghanistan Premier League as well where he featured in nine matches and scored 206 runs at an average of 25.75, and a strike-rate of 139.18.

Thus, with excellent numbers up his sleeve, Ingram will prove to be a legitimate option in Delhi's middle-order while providing stability to the same. Besides that, he also can chip in with some leg-breaks in the middle. Hence, he is envisioned to have a definite place in Capitals' playing XI.

#2 Nicholas Pooran

The Trinidadian has been on an exponential curve in T20 cricket

Nicholas Pooran, the wicket-keeper batsman from Trinidad, has now become a regular face in the scheme of franchise-based cricket all over the world. With his outstanding power-hitting skills, Pooran has made it to the headlines more often than not.

However, he had his IPL contract only this year as he failed to entice any of the bidders at the 2018 IPL Auction and hence went unsold. Nonetheless, his batting exploits in this year helped him strike a deal with Kings XI Punjab for INR 4.2 Crore. This very deal came on the back of his extraordinary performances in the year 2018, especially in the recently concluded T10 League.

Having played nine matches in the second edition of T10 League, Pooran finished as the highest run-scorer as he amassed 324 runs at an astonishing average of 54.00 and an outstanding strike-rate of 245.45. With strong batting and decent wicket-keeping skills, Pooran will prove to be a fabulous addition for KXIP.

#1 Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube recently smashed five sixes in an over in a Ranji Trophy game

Shivam Dube, the all-rounder from Mumbai, is slowly getting to the headlines after his distinguished performances in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. His performances in the recent plot of domestic cricket helped him seize an INR 5 Crore ($ 0.713 Million) deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

However, only a few know his fate in the 2018 IPL Auction. Dube failed to attract any of the bidders at 2018 IPL Auction. Nonetheless, his all-round abilities turned his fortunes in 2019 IPL Auction as besides acquiring an INR 5-Crore deal he also became the fifth most expensive player in the auction.

Having played six games for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Shivam has scored 489 runs at an exceptional average of 69.85 which also include two centuries and three fifties. In addition to that, he has also taken 17 wickets in his tourney so far which include a 5-wicket haul as well. Thus, with efficient all-round abilities, Dube will prove to be an exciting addition to RCB's playing XI in IPL 2019.