Best Playing XI for a combined amount of INR 10 Cr at IPL 2023 Auctions

We saw money being splashed extensively at the IPL 2023 Auctions. While Ben Stokes matched the record for the highest-paid player at the auctions, Sam Curran and Cameron Green went past the record. Nevertheless, there were also smart picks made at a cheap price. Here, we take a look at the best playing XI for a combined amount of INR 10 Cr at IPL 2023 Auctions.

It is not always that the big-money cricketers step up for the side. At times, the value-for-money buys also make a difference. They actually balance out the squad composition for each franchise.

Note: The playing XI follows the IPL rule of four overseas players and seven domestic cricketers.

Openers: N Jagadeesan (WK) (INR 0.9 Cr) and Phil Salt (INR 2 Cr)

N Jagadeesan is in great form at the moment and KKR would hope that he would do well for them next season. The Tamil Nadu opener is likely to get an extended run with the franchise. Phil Salt was a steal at INR 2 Cr. However, Delhi does not have a lot of spots in the top order to offer game time to the English cricketer. 

Middle-Order: Kane Williamson (C) (INR 2 Cr), Mandeep Singh (INR 0.5 Cr) and Vishnu Vinod (INR 0.2 Cr)

Kane Williamson was the first person to get sold in IPL 2023 Auctions. Gujarat got him at his base price. It will be interesting to see how he gets used by the franchise. Mandeep Singh and Vishnu Vinod complete the middle order for this XI. While Mandeep is a veteran in IPL, Vishnu Vinod is a growing cricketer and has recently donned the role of a finisher in domestic cricket.

All-Rounders: Sanvir Singh (INR 0.2 Cr), Akeal Hosein (INR 1 Cr) and David Wiese (INR 1 Cr) 

Sanvir Singh and Akeal Hosein were proper steals by SRH. While Sanvir had a great run in the recent SMAT, Akeal is one of the best spinners in the T20 format right now. KKR hired David Wiese as Andre Russell's backup and it was a good move by them. In fact, even with Russell in the XI, KKR can afford to give a spot to Wiese based on the team combination.

Bowlers: Jaydev Unadkat (INR 0.5 Cr), Vidwath Kaverappa (INR 0.2 Cr) and Mayank Markhande (INR 0.5 Cr)

Jaydev Unadkat will ply trade for LSG in IPL 2023. He will be Mohsin Khan's backup for the franchise. Vidwath had a great SMAT and although PBKS might not include him in the XI, as an 'Impact Player', he could get a chance. Mayank Markhande's only wish will be to get more games and it won't be a surprise if that happens in SRH.