IPL auction: Players who could turn out to be bargain buys 

The IPL 2019 auctions are just knocking on the door. Come Monday and the teams will have been finalized and geared up for the upcoming edition of the much awaited IPL. Needless to say, each and every team analysts are immersed in analysing not only player performances but also possible strategies and buys of other teams just to make the most of their remaining purses.

While some teams like Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals will carry a hefty purse into the auction, other teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad will only have minor issues to address through this auction.

Though players from all over the world will be vying for a contract with the teams in the coveted IPL, only few will make the cut. This article tries to look into underrated players who might offer huge rewards for the small price they are listed for if they go for their base price.

What follows is a list of five players, who could make a difference if picked. There is also a bonus content at the end. The list is not in the order of priority. Please feel free to mention more names on whom you researched and are following for some time, who could in your opinion be a find of the season.

Reputed players living up to their name is rewarding for the franchises who invested their money and hopes on them. What is more exciting though is finding a player who was a cheap buy in the auctions buy later went on to set the stage on fire in the tournament. The tournament enters into its 12th edition, business started getting serious from past few seasons and franchises not only want to buy performing players, but they also want players who perform compared to their salary.

So, finding value buys becomes crucial for any team which hopes to win the title in the end or at least reach the playoffs stage.

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#1 Andre Fletcher

While he had a decent outing in CPL 2018, his team St Lucia Stars had a terrible outing and ended at the bottom. However, if his performance in the recently concluded T10 League is anything to go by, he will surely make his mark. More so because this will be a lean year for IPL on account of the 50-over World Cup that follows this tournament.

His availability will also be a big advantage to teams looking for a replacement. Though a bit hitter of the ball, he is level-headed and paces his innings based on a rational judgement which provides with much sought after stability to the team.

What's even more thrilling is that he is listed at just INR 50 lakh with a promise to perform at a much higher level than the price tag he carries. While teams are supposed to be chasing names like Shimron Hetmeyer, Nicholas Pooran, Anton Devcich his name might have not been conspicuous on their lists.

#2 Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson

He is a genuine fast bowler who can hit the deck hard and extract wickets out of it. His tall and wide structure helps him to achieve this feat with comparative ease. Being injury-prone, he could not have the career one might have wanted but his recent form and the wicket-taking abilities will definitely help teams in dire need of true speedsters in their teams.

With so many teams lining up for pacers in the upcoming tournament, he could very well solve the troubles of spearheading the attack. His previous outing in IPL was with now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants where he got three wickets in four innings at a low economy rate of 7.15.

Considering how much he has grown in the past two years, it can only mean positive for the team that goes on to buy this fine player from New Zealand.

#3 Sam Curran

Sam Curran

While his name is no surprise and definitely did not leave the spotlight for some time now but what probably remained unrealised by many is that the potential this youngster carries. At the age of 20, he might not be having any international T20 experience but he surely carries the potential to be the "Ben Stokes" in the auction.

He is a very well rounded player as a batsman and as a bowler just like Ben Stokes. If Stokes can go for INR 14.5 crore and INR 12.5 crore in IPL 2017 and IPL 2018 auctions respectively, so should this youngster. The only thing that might be the reason for him to sell cheaply this year at the auction will probably be his availability issue ahead of the World Cup. So, smarter franchises should pick him up this year for a bargain as an investment that would keep on paying rich dividends in the future.

#4 Rovman Powell

Rovman Powell

Another Windies big hitter in the making and pretty handy with the ball too. Touted as "Andre Russell Jr", he will not be easily found in the 'sought after list' for buying in the auction hence underrated. Yet, his potential can be seen from occasional blitz when all others failed to withstand a rampaging bowling attack.

Already donning the captain's hat for the Windies, this swashbuckling cricketer will be a valuable addition not only for the present but also for the future. Yet to make his IPL debut, though picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017 he didn't get a game. The stats don't do justice to the potential he carries at present.

With experience, he should be able to join the elite rank of the Windies cricketers who flaunt lucrative deals with franchises all over the world.

#5 Cameron Delport

Cameron Delport

Delport, a T20 specialist, didn't play a single game in IPL despite being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders. He is now plying his trade in several tournaments. His recent form in the recently concluded T10 league and the Mzansi Super League should increase the demand for his stocks in the auction market.

Still probably unnoticed by the scouts, the team buying this South African batsman could get a steal. His availability ahead of the World Cup will be another factor that should turn the scales in his favour. Listed at just INR 30 lakh, he has the potential to be an amazing replacement, if not figures in the first team.

While he never made an appearance for his country, the recent consistency does spark some hope that his call to the national side may be just a matter of time. Onlookers should grab on to his services before his stock skyrockets.

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Bonus Content - Anrich Nortje

Presently a reserve for the South Africa national side, he has potential. His performance in the Mzansi Super League was nothing short of awesome until he injured his ankle and was ruled out of the tournament. There is no timeline available of his recovery yet, though an ankle injury should not take a lot of time to recover.

Returning to his present level of performance will be an issue but considering his well-built structure he should be able to extract that same level of pace and bounce with ease. His disciplined nature and tight line and length make him a fearsome weapon. In addition, those yorkers at unexpected moments make endow him with the potential to unsettle the opposition.

The level at which he was performing, call to the national side is only a matter of time if he can manage his injuries and fitness well. He could be a good gamble at INR 20 lakh. Perhaps his searing pace will turn on the heat for IPL 2019.