IPL 2021 auction: Top 5 Bargain Buys

#2 Steve Smith (₹2.2 crores)

Steve Smith was released by Rajasthan Royal ahead of IPL 2021 auction.

The miracle almost came true for the Delhi Capitals last year as they stormed into the finals of the 2020 edition of the IPL. However, Mumbai Indians shattered the hopes of the fans, leaving them waiting for yet another year.

The well-rounded Delhi side had a sound showing at the auctions bringing in several key additions. Steve Smith at No.3 would provide much-needed stability to the batting line-up, which comprises several flashy batsmen. He would be highly skillful in anchoring the innings from one end, creating an opportunity for the rest of the batsmen to go all guns blazing. His experience, coupled with his ability to play spin well, could lead to wonders for the Delhi side.

Smith is an agile fielder both in the 30-yard circle as well as at the boundary. He might turn out to be the missing cog needed to clinch the title this time. If his form against India is any indication, Smith is primed to leave his mark on this edition of the IPL.

Delhi might have to adopt a 'horses for courses' approach to rotate their international batsmen.

---

#1 Dawid Malan (₹1.5 crores)

Dawid Malan would be making his IPL debut this season.

Acquiring the reigning World No.1 T20 batsmen in the world for a meager amount of ₹1.5 crores is definitely a steal for the Punjab Kings. Malan's lack of experience in Indian conditions and more so in IPL may have led franchises to tread cautiously. But if his short, successful stint on the international scene is any indication, then both the fans and owners of Punjab Kings are in for a treat. Malan's addition would bring in more stability to the batting line-up and release some pressure off KL Rahul.

He is a prolific top-order batsman who can bat well both against spin and pace. He is definitely expected to turn some heads around in the upcoming edition. He has a sensational average of 53 and a strike rate of 149 in the T20s. Malan is a premier candidate to finish with the coveted 'Orange Cap' this year.

He has already scored 9 fifty-plus scores and a hundred in his 19 innings for England. Kings would want Malan to replicate similar success on Indian pitches.

The IPL has become a haven for English cricketers to make a name for themselves. Malan would hope to continue the trend set in by Archer, Stokes, and Buttler, leading Punjab towards their first IPL title.