Over the years, T20 franchise cricket has proved to be a happy hunting ground not only for already established players but also for some of the unknown athletes. The inception of the Indian Premier League has witnessed some of the mysterious players emerging out of nowhere to bag a million-dollar IPL contract. They went on to leapfrog several popular faces to become a million-dollar baby.
Also Read: Aaron Finch Reveals Whether He Will Be In 2020 IPL Auctions
This tactic to unleash the unknown by purchasing them for a hefty price has worked on a few occasions. On the other hand, in certain cases, the franchises are left to bear the brunt of investing and are thus forced to release them. The previous season was a notable instance where a rookie was bought for an enormous amount but had to be liberated after his faulty display in the tournament.
We take a look at the Top 5 uncapped players who received a heavy price in the IPL auction.
5) Shivam Dube – INR 5 crores
Shivam Dube was in blistering touch with the bat during the Ranji Trophy in 2018 and the Mumbai T20 League. In the Ranji Trophy and Mumbai T20 League, the all-rounder smashed five sixes twice in an over. The T20 league 2018 saw the 26-year old getting crowned as the man of the tournament for scoring 213 runs in eight matches and snapping 12 wickets. The Mumbai-born amassed 213 runs at a strike rate of 178.99.
Dube was also the leading wicket-taker for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2018, claiming 23 wickets in eight games. Dube was purchased for a mind-boggling amount of INR 5 crores by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, he couldn’t set the stage on fire in the Indian Premier League, scoring only 40 runs in four matches and taking no wickets.