Value-for-money signings are an integral component in the auction strategy for each franchise. This is the only aspect that helps them to go for their in-demand targets, while also balancing the composition and quality of the squad. Every auction, we notice a number of teams make such buys and these signings, later on, help them in the season. On that note, here, we take a look at five steal buys at IPL 2023 Auctions.
1) Phil Salt – INR 2 Cr (Delhi Capitals)
In the 13 T20Is he has played so far, Phil Salt has scored at a strike rate greater than 160. Yes, his average might be less around 22 but that is mostly because he has played less value on his wicket and has operated for the team’s cause.
Moreover, Salt is also a fine wicketkeeper and he is only 26 years old. These factors make him an ideal signing but interestingly, no other team other than Delhi was interested in him. They took him for his base price at the event. Although the team does have some solid overseas top-order players like David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Rilee Rossouw, it won’t be a surprise if Salt cements his position in the XI.
2) Shakib Al Hasan – INR 1.5 Cr (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Although he was unsold initially, KKR later hired the services of Shakib. The Bangladesh all-rounder will be a fine signing as he adds terrific balance to the unit.
While Shakib‘s prowess with the ball is well-known, with the bat, too, as an anchor, he can pull off a fine job. With Sunil Narine and Varun CV also in the squad, it won’t be a surprise if KKR has the best spin unit in the competition if Shakib also gets a chance in playing XI.
3) Sikandar Raza – INR 0.5 Cr (Punjab Kings)
Interestingly, Sikandar Raza came just at his base price in IPL 2023 Auctions. This is despite him being one of the best all-rounders in the format this year.
Raza shall operate in the middle order with the bat while with the ball, he mostly bowls in the middle overs. If PBKS has any issues with team balance or injury, he would be the first name to get a chance in the XI.
Dil se Punjabi! ❤️🦁#SherSquad, how excited are you to see Raza roar in Punjab colors? 🤩#IPL2023 #PunjabKings #TATAIPLAuction #SaddaPunjab #SikandarRaza pic.twitter.com/8hRlFMH0hy
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 24, 2022
4) Odean Smith – INR 0.5 Cr (Gujarat Titans)
Odean Smith is one of the steals at IPL 2023 Auctions. Last season, there was a lot of demand for Odean but this time, barring Gujarat Titans, he had no other takers. This was surprising because of the T20 pedigree Odean brings with him.
Yes, he might not win you every game but Odean does have the skills to win one or two games if he is used correctly. His brute power makes him one of the best hitters of the ball while he can also click 140s consistently on his day.
5) Akeal Hosein – INR 1 Cr (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Akeal Hosein is also one of the steal buys at IPL 2023 Auctions. It won’t be a surprise if Akeal turns out to become one of the best buys of the auction. In 32 games, he has picked up 25 wickets till now at an economy of 7. Earlier this year, he scored 44 runs from 16 games against England. This also shows his batting skills.
SRH desperately needed a spinner to support Washington Sundar. While they might have allocated some part of their purse for this, they interestingly got two fine spinners at their base price. Adil Rashid was also sold at INR 2 Cr but we feel Akeal was a better buy because of the power-hitting he also provides in the lower order.
