5 cricketers who came back hard as replacements after going unsold in the auction

 The Indian Premier League auction is closely followed by the fans. Especially because this auctions are often unpredictable, making them fun to watch.

Stars often earn millions in the bidding process while some of the best in-form players fail to find a bidder even at their base price. There may be several reasons, be it not fitting in the team combination to non-availability of the player for the full season.

However, some cricketers are fortunate enough to get a team even after going unsold in the auctions. They are signed to fulfil the void created by injured cricketers. 

Chris Gayle: The mammoth sized Gayle went unsold in the 2011 auctions after Kolkata Knight Riders decided not to retain him. Especially, after scoring 463 runs in the 16 matches that he played in the first two seasons for the Kolkata-based franchise.

However, he went unsold as no franchisee was ready to pick him at the auctions. Later, Royal Challengers Bangalore availed his service after fast bowler Dirk Nannes was forced out with an injury. 

On his return, Gayle hammered 608 runs in 12 matches at an average of 67.55 and an astonishing strike rate of 183.13. Further, his stint included two hundred and three fifties.

Steve Smith: Australian skipper Smith went unsold in the 2012 auction only to comeback as a replacement for injured Mitchell Marsh for Pune Warriors India. 

He later returned to score 362 runs in 15 matches at an average of 40.22 and a strike rate of 135.58. As a result, Smith was retained by the franchise in the next season. Further, he was appointed as the skipper of the franchise.

Earlier, Smith was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010 but he failed to get a game. He was then signed by Kochi Tuskers Kerala, but was ruled out due to an injury.

Imran Tahir: The match winner from South Africa went unsold in 2017 auctions even though he had a relatively base price of Rs 50 Lakh. Later, Tahir replaced Mitchell Marsh in the Pune Super Giants squad and became one of their crucial overseas player. 

Tahir bagged 8 wickets in just 12 matches at an economy of 7.85. He along with Jaydev Unadkat led Pune’s bowling department as they reached the final of the tournament.

Lendl Simmons: The swashbuckling opener from West Indies failed to find a bidder in the 2014 IPL auction. He fixed a base price of Rs 50 Lakh. However, he was signed by Mumbai Indians after Jalaj Saxena ruled out with an injury. 

Simmons smashed 94 runs at an average of 56.28 in the 8 matches he featured for Mumbai. 

Hence, Mumbai retained him for the next season and returned the faith shown by them. He hammered 540 runs in 13 matches at an average of 45.00 as he finished second on the highest run-getter list. He played a big role in helping Mumbai win the title.

Sreenath Aravind: The tall and lanky fast bowler from Karnataka was released by Bangalore in 2013 despite showing good form for them. 

Aravind, who had a base price of Rs. 10 lakh, went unsold ahead of the 2015 edition of the IPL. However, he was called by his former franchise to replace Adam Milne.

Aravind marked his return with 8 scalps from five matches. In addition to, Aravind had a 4 wicket haul against Kings XI Punjab. 

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