In the ongoing IPL 2020, we have seen some breath-taking action from the best players in the world. The Indian players have combined with International stars as we have witnessed cricket of the highest order.
Before every IPL season, all eyes are set on the most expensive players featuring in the league. Last year in the IPL auction franchise spent a lot of their purse to acquire some key players.
Since IPL 2020 is halfway through and heading towards the business end we take a look at how the top 5 most high-priced players fared in the season so far. After the auction, these players were under extensive pressure to justify their substantial price tag. All these 5 players were overseas performers who all had a winning bid over Rs. 8 crores.
How 5 Most Expensive Players Have Performed In IPL 2020 So Far
5. Nathan Coulter-Nile
The skilled T20 bowler from Australia, Nathan Coulter-Nile was expected to play a key role for Mumbai Indians this season. The defending champions acquired the services of the speedster for Rs. 8 crores.
However, the injury-prone Coulter-Nile once against sustained an injury. In the first 7 seven matches, he was out for action and in his absence, his countrymen James Pattinson did a commendable job. ‘
Finally yesterday against Kolkata Knight Riders the pacer played his maiden match for the season. Understandably Coulter-Nile looked rusty and proved to be the most expensive bowler of his side.
In his 4 overs spell he gave away 51 runs. Now after the horror show, his place in the side looks doubtful for the next match and Pattinson might again replace him for the rest of the season.
4. Sheldon Cottrell
In the IPL auction, Kings XI Punjab needed an experienced international bowler for IPL 2020. They trusted Sheldon Cottrell and bought him for a hefty price of Rs. 8.5 crores.
In the initial few matches, the left-arm seamer was satisfactory with his performances. However, it all changed for him during the match against Rajasthan Royals at Sharjah. In the death overs, he was taken to the cleaners and was hit for a flurry of sixes by Rahul Tewatia as KXIP lost the match.
Since then he hasn’t been a permanent addition in the squad and it might be possible that he doesn’t play even play a single match in the rest of the season.
3. Chris Morris
The popular Royal Challengers Bangalore invested heavily on the South African Chris Morris in the auction. He was bought for a whopping Rs. 10 crores by the RCB management.
Unfortunately, Morris was on the injured list from the beginning of the season and couldn’t play the first 5 matches. He finally made his debut for RCB in IPL and introduced his arrival in style.
Morris in his first two matches went for under 20 runs in his 4 overs spell and proved to be the most economical bowler in the season. Then against KXIP he even showed his exploits with the bat and executed some big strokes.
With RCB emerging as contenders this season, Morris will play a critical role in all the matches for his side in the second half of the season.
2. Glenn Maxwell
The ‘big show’ Glenn Maxwell has flopped miserably in IPL 2020 thus far. He hasn’t been able to justify his tag of Rs. 10.75 crores as he hasn’t played even a single impactful knock for his side.
Australia has looked completely out of sorts and is lucky to still find a spot in the KXIP side. The odds of KXIP qualifying for the playoffs looks bleak however if Maxwell finds his vintage form they might just do the unthinkable and qualify in the top 4 sides.
1 Pat Cummins
The most expensive international player on show Pat Cummins is a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders. In his first match against MI, he was targeted by the batsmen as he couldn’t even complete his quota of overs.
Since then he has bounced back and provided breakthroughs to his side especially with the new ball. In the death over Cummins has still been a disappointment and needs to contribute more in crunch situations.
Nonetheless, it’s has been his batting down the order which has been a revelation for his side. Cummins has contributed with the bat in almost every match and has even scored more runs than some top-order batsmen.
KKR is currently in with a chance to qualify for the playoffs but Cummins needs to produce more impactful performances with the ball. If he isn’t successful chances are that KKR will not retain him ahead of the mega auctions next year.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Gautam Gambhir Reveals Truth Behind KKR Captaincy Swap