IPL 2020 Auctions: 5 Expensive Overseas Players Retained

The IPL 2020 auctions will see 29 vacant overseas spots being filled in Kolkata on December 19. However, some of the biggest overseas names will not be a part of the auctions as they were retained by their respective franchises. The likes of AB De Villiers, David Warner, Lasith Malinga, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard among many others went onto become the pillars of the teams they have represented. Malinga, Warner, Pollard and Narine have been part of IPL winning sides. All of these players have rediscovered their potential in the tournament and have broken through many other franchise T20 leagues across the world.

Here’s a look at the 5 most expensive overseas players retained ahead of the IPL 2020 auctions: 

AB De Villiers (11 Crores)

De Villiers made his IPL debut with the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils in 2008 but it is since 2011 that he has become a brand in the IPL. Having joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011, De Villiers is a regular member of the Virat Kohli-led side. He along with Kohli are the two pillars of the side. He has played over 150 matches for the franchise and is one of the top performers in the league. He has also scored two centuries for the franchise having scored nearly 3800 runs.

Steve Smith (12.5 Crores)

Smith was retained by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2020 auctions. Having missed IPL 2018 with David Warner for their involvement in the Sandpapergate Scandal, Smith made a return in IPL 2019. After a few slow starts at the start of the tournament, Smith got into his groove and started scoring for the Royals. He was also appointed as the skipper of the team midway through the tournament last year after Ajinkya Rahane failed to get wins under his belt. He is all set to lead the Royals this season and will look to take them to their second IPL final after winning the title in the inaugural year. Alongside Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Smith completes the core of the team. 

Also Read: IPL 2020 Auctions: Five Overseas Players Who Might Go Unsold

David Warner (12.5 Crores)

David Warner has been one of the most impactful players over the years in the IPL. He has been the batting mainstay for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) having scored over 500 runs every season since 2014. He also has scored four IPL tons, second best after ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle. He also lifted the IPL 2016 trophy having led the side in the season. With Kane Williamson who is leading the side since 2018, he forms the core of the side. He will be once again expected to score hefty runs for his side as he has been doing for the past few seasons. It was a no-brainer thus for the 2016 IPL champions to retain their star overseas batsman for 12.5 crores.

Sunil Narine (12.5 Crores)

Playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders since 2012, Windies mystery spinner Sunil Narine has been the heart of their bowling attack. He has been a part of the squad winning two IPL titles (2012, 2014) and in both those victories, Narine had a big role to play. Over the years, there has been a lot of questions asked on his bowling action. However, he came back with a remodeled bowling action and has delivered the goods for his side. He has picked up 122 wickets for KKR and since 2017 has been opening the batting for his franchise. Having developed himself into a handy all-rounder in the recent past, Narine has added more value to his side. However, his main job for the side is to pick up wickets and he will the captain’s main man in the upcoming season as well. Having retained him for 12.5 crores, KKR has kept their biggest trump card to their own use.

Also Read: IPL 2020 Auctions: Five Indian Players Who Might Go Unsold

Ben Stokes (12.5 Crores)

Ben Stokes made a terrific entry into the IPL for the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017. He made an immediate impact for his franchise scoring over 300 runs and picking up 12 wickets in the season. Seeing his all-round prowess, Rajasthan Royals bought him for 12.5 crores in 2018 and decided to retain him for IPL 2020 despite having two back to back failures for the Royals. A white-ball specialist for England, who contributed immensely in England’s maiden World Cup win earlier this year, Stokes would like to step up for the Royals and keep upto his pricetag.