IPL 2021 Auction: 5 Costliest Uncapped Players Ever In IPL Auction History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction always comes off as a land of opportunities for players worldwide just as the IPL 2021 auction was. While the cricketers excelling in international cricket are already in for a massive payday, the bidding events prove exceptionally crucial for the uncapped or lesser-known players. At times, uncapped players end up becoming one of the most expensive cricketers.

It becomes a life-changing moment for such players as they get the opportunity to share the dressing room with some of the most significant international or established cricketers. Simultaneously, there is also massive performance pressure since they have to justify the mammoth amount invested in them. And some compelling showing could well earn them an international cap.

IPL 2021 Auction: 5 Costliest Uncapped Players Ever In IPL Auction History

Riley Meredith – INR 8 crores:

Australia’s quick Riley Meredith did not earn any bids in the auction ahead of the IPL 2020 edition, setting his base price at INR 40 lakhs. However, the speedster was in demand of most of the franchises leading up to the 14th season and became one of the most expensive players. Punjab Kings sealed the deal on Meredith at INR 8 crores.

Riley Meredith, who consistently bowls fast and cranks it up at nearly 140 kmph, will join the likes of Mohammed Shami, Ishan Porel, Chris Jordan, Arshdeep Singh and fellow countryman Jhye Richardson to form an exciting bowling unit. The 25-year old also performed well in the 2020-21 season of BBL, taking 16 wickets in 13 matches at 24.62 for the Hobart Hurricanes.

Varun Chakravarthy – INR 8.4 crores:

Before shining for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020, Varun Chakravarthy was part of Kings XI Punjab, who secured him for a mind-boggling amount of INR 8.4 crores. Varun Chakravarthy’s base price was INR 20 lakhs as Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Kings XI Punjab were involved in a three-way race. Ultimately, the Punjab-based franchise bagged their deal.

However, the mystery leg-spinner did not have the desired outing or lacked enough opportunities. The 29-year old played only one match and took as many scalps. But things around the following year when Kolkata Knight Riders procured the leg-spinner and Varun responded by taking 17 wickets in 13 games alongside a five-wicket haul.

Pawan Negi – INR 8.5 Crores:

Pawan Negi created history in the IPL auction 2016 by becoming the costliest Indian player in the function. Before the Delhi Daredevils pouched for him a mammoth amount of INR 8.5 crores, Pawan Negi was hardly in the reckoning for the national team. Hence, the 28-year old earned massive recognition as the Delhi-based franchise bid for him.

But the Delhi-born spin-bowling all-rounder could not make an impact for the franchise. Negi featured in eight matches and managed 57 runs at 28.50. Simultaneously, he bagged only one wicket at an awful average of 84. The left-arm spinner also earned a T20 cap in March 2016 against the UAE and had figures of 3-0-16-1.

Krunal Pandya – INR 8.8 crores:

All-rounder Krunal Pandya joined the Mumbai Indians’ set-up in 2016 and has been a valuable player ever since. Krunal Pandya played an integral role in Mumbai Indians’ title victory in 2017, contributing 47 runs in the final. Thus, the defending champions went for the Baroda cricketer full throttle, using the right to match card and investing INR 8.8 crores.

Alongside Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, and Jasprit Bumrah, the 29-year old also became an invaluable member of the squad. Krunal featured in 14 matches in 2018 and took 12 wickets at 23.67 while scoring 228 runs, maintaining a strike rate of 145.22. In November 2018, Pandya also made his international debut in the shortest format.

Krishnappa Gowtham – INR 9.25 crores:

Krishnappa Gowtham did not have a particularly impressive IPL 2020 season, being part of Kings XI Punjab. The spin-bowling all-rounder played in a couple of matches and took one wicket at an underwhelming average of 84 alongside 42 runs. Hence, only few expected the 32-year old to get plenty of bids.

But Chennai Super Kings and SunRisers Hyderabad went for him all guns blazing and the former secured his services at INR 9.25 crores. Thus, Gowtham became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL auction history. His best season was with the Rajasthan Royals in 2018, when in 15 games, he scored 126 runs while snaring 11 scalps.

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