IPL Auction 2018: 5 value for money buys

The 2018 IPL auction witnessed a total of 578 players going under the hammer, with each franchise gunning for the best of the lot. The auctions were a bag full of surprises, with capped and uncapped Indian players earning huge sums of money. But, the 'old veterans' of the game, with impressive IPL track records, were unable to move the needle much on the money meter.

These auctions saw a bunch of purchases that can be deemed as 'value for money', considering the talent at hand and the amount of money spent. So let's take a look at the top five such purchases from this year's auctions.

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#5 Mitchell Santner (₹50 lakh)

Santner is currently representing New Zealand in the T20 tri-series against England and Australia

Currently placed at the top of the ICC T20 bowler rankings, the Kiwi all-rounder was bought by the Chennai Super Kings at the base price of ₹50 lakh only. The left-arm off-spinner has done wonders on the international circuit and is the only one who can fill the 'Ashwin-sized void' in the Chennai team.

His sublime spell against India at the 2016 T20 World Cup, with figures of 4-11, put him on the map and he hasn't looked back since. Being a useful batsman lower down the order, Mitchell Santner would be looking to have a lasting impact in this year's IPL.

#4 Colin Munro (₹1.9 crore)

Colin Munro is one explosive batsman

From one Kiwi to another, Colin Munro has slowly earned the reputation of being a T20 specialist with his explosive batting skills at the top of the order. Munro is the only player in the history of the game to score three Twenty20 international centuries.

Bought for a meagre amount of ₹1.9 crore, Munro would want to make his presence felt and lead Delhi's campaign for a maiden title win. He will certainly serve as the backbone of Delhi's batting line-up, and could easily be the pick of the tournament for Delhi.

#3 Shakib Al Hasan (₹2 crore)

Shakib Al Hasan is one of the finest all-rounders of the game

The Bangladeshi all-rounder needs no introduction. Being the highest ranked all-rounder across all three formats, Shakib Al Hasan is a marquee player. He can serve as an economical bowling option for Sunrisers Hyderabad, while also contributing with the bat whenever asked to.

With a price so low, this investment, truly is, money spell-went. Sunrisers could've hoped for nothing better. He brings experience to the team, and if Sunrisers Hyderabad wish to claim the title of 'IPL Champions' once again, they would certainly want Shakib to be at his very best.

#2 Quinton de Kock (₹2.8 crore)

De Kock is a fine batting addition to any side

Even though he's currently out of form and, also, dealing with a finger injury, De Kock is a welcome addition to the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in their pursuit towards a maiden IPL title. Drawing comparisons to Adam Gilchrist, Quinton de Kock is currently one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen in the world.

De Kock was a key figure in the Delhi Daredevils side and will look to play a similar role for RCB. Quinton de Kock has already tasted loads of success in a short span of time on the international stage and will want to add an IPL title to his cabinet.

#1 Ajinkya Rahane (₹4 crore)

Ajinkya Rahane has been a consistent performer with the bat for India overseas

This certainly has to be the wisest pick of them all. An Indian team regular, Ajinkya Rahane will fit quite well into the Rajasthan Royals squad, having already represented them before the franchise's suspension. He would provide Rajasthan with much-needed experience.

Rahane has got all the shots in the book and is ‘cool as a cucumber’ under tense situations. Given his ability to slot in anywhere from the top to the middle order, Rahane is a valuable asset. The Rajasthan management ought to be feeling quite good, buying such a huge name for just ₹4 crore.