IPL Auction 2020: 5 most expensive retained overseas players
It is that time of the year when IPL fever begins to take over, firstly with the IPL auction, as fans wait in anticipation to witness which teams bid for some of their favorite players. The IPL auction has now become an important feature in India’s cricketing calendar as players look forward to it with much interest to determine their new franchise during the next summer at the IPL.
The story isn’t too different this time around as the IPL auction is ready to take center stage in Kolkata on December 19. Being a mini-auction, the franchises have limited spots for which they can bid, to plug-in the loopholes in their already retained squads ahead of the auction.
Most of the teams have retained a settled core as they seek to build their team around them. A lot of overseas recruits who have done well in the last few IPL editions were once again entrusted to deliver for their respective franchises. A major chunk of these foreign players had fetched a hefty bid in the past few auctions before they represented their respective IPL teams.
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After investing heavily in some of these players, the franchises would be hoping that they deliver in the next season given their vast experience of playing in the IPL previously.
#5 AB de Villiers - ₹11 cr
One of the strongest pillars of the RCB setup alongside Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers has been a regular feature for the Bangalore-based franchise since IPL 2011. Known as one of the most versatile and destructive batsman across all formats, De Villiers retired from international cricket last year but still continues to represent various franchises in T20 leagues around the globe.
His reputation and the ability to play innovative shots has a lot to do with his exploits in all these editions at the IPL. Having played more than 150 matches in the league, the former South African is one of the top overseas performers in the history of the league.
In IPL 2018, it was no surprise when AB was retained by the Royal Challengers as their second retained player for INR 11 Crores. He has done exceedingly well for RCB with his unmatchable batting skills but has lacked regular support from the other end.
In IPL 2020, the batting maestro would go in as RCB's most favoured overseas player and would hope to finally win an IPL title for the die-hard RCB fans.