With two days remaining for the mega auction, Bangalore is already abuzz with activity with most of the franchise officials having landed up in the city. Mock sessions have already been held in abundance as the excitement builds up in anticipation for the big day.
While various dynamics will be at play as regards the players’ skills, adaptability and availability, The Telegraph lists the top-11 players (not in any particular order) who could invite intense bidding among the 10 franchises.
• Shreyas Iyer: At least three franchises will be on the lookout for a captain at the auction — Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, besides Punjab Kings if they decide against naming Mayank Agarwal in the hot seat. Iyer decided to head to the auction once Delhi Capitals retained Rishabh Pant as captain. The Mumbaikar had led Delhi Capitals to two successive playoffs, including their first final in 2020. The franchise’s decision to retain Pant as leader last season once he returned from injury upset him. His batting abilities apart, his potential leadership qualities make him a much sought-after player.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• David Warner: The Australian opener is the most successful overseas player in the IPL — 3819 runs at an average of 52.31 and strike rate of 144.98. Besides clinching the orange cap twice, he led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the title in 2016. One bad season last year saw his fortunes take a beating but he was back at his explosive best in the T20 World Cup and the Ashes that followed. Picking Warner could also help in solving the captaincy riddle for a franchise.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• Ishan Kishan: The young Jharkhand batsman-wicketkeeper is being seen as a potential leader in certain quarters. Since this is being touted as the last mega auction for some time, he could be a important bet for any franchise. Someone who can bat at any position, Kishan has proved for Mumbai Indians that he can truly set the scoreboard alight and play long innings. He will be much sought after by most franchises, including his previous team. Mumbai Indians had invested Rs 6.2 crore on him in 2018 and it won’t be a surprise if he goes for at least double that amount this time.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• Quinton de Kock: The South African can be quite a handful at the top of the order. Mumbai Indians’ recent success can be largely attributed to De Kock’s stormy batting which was enough for the opposition to retreat into a shell. The lefthander scored 1329 runs for the franchise in the last three years. He provides the franchises with the perfect option, a wicketkeeper-batsman in the top-3 means you can have an extra batter/all-rounder in the XI.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• Deepak Chahar: A Powerplay specialist pacer in the Chennai Super Kings ranks last season, his batting abilities can’t be overlooked either. He can pack a punch in the slog overs and can truly be a vital cog in the team. Since 2018, Chahar has picked up 42 of his 58 wickets in the first six overs. He can swing the ball both ways in subcontinent pitches and also possesses the knuckle ball.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• Jason Holder: The former West Indies captain’s rise to the top has been phenomenal. Having gone unsold in 2020, Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him as a replacement for Mitch Marsh. Despite the franchise’s pathetic performance, the all-rounder didn’t disappoint picking up 30 wickets and scoring 151 runs. He continued with his good form having been the player of the series in the recently concluded T20Is against England.
Base price: Rs 1.5 crore
• Kagiso Rabada: Stand-in India captain KL Rahul had termed the fast bowler as someone “every team would want” after the limited overs series in South Africa. His ability to bowl over 145kmph and pick up regular wickets makes him a much sought-after bowler. In the last three seasons, he picked up 70 wickets at a strike rate of 14.4 and an economy of 8.13. Though he can be expensive at times, most franchises would love to have him in their first XI wishlist.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• Shardul Thakur: Over the past couple of seasons, he has moulded himself into an all-rounder who can consistently pick wickets and strike the big hits. He is billed as a game changer who will be sought after by various franchises because of his multi-dimensional abilities. A capable batter, he has enhanced his six hitting prowess in recent years.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• Harshal Patel: The pacer was the highest wickettaker in the last IPL and his career graph has only moved up since. It did come as a surprise when Royal Challengers Bangalore decided not to retain him. While RCB head coach Mike Hesson has made it clear that they would love to have him back, the pacer has expressed his wish to play under his idol Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• Yuzvendra Chahal: It’s a good sign that the wrist spinner has regained his touch and confidence just before the auction. Having taken 139 wickets in the IPL since 2014 at Royal Challengers Bangalore, he will be in demand given the limited options in his craft. He could breach the Rs 10 crore mark this time.
Base price: Rs 2 crore
• Shahrukh Khan: The Chennai lad has been the much talked about uncapped cricketer in the lead up to the auction. His big scores in the domestic circuit has invited comparisons with Kieron Pollard because of his muscular build and 6 feet 4 inches height. Punjab Kings picked him for Rs 5.25 crore in the 2021 auction but he failed to get a regular place in the XI.
Base price: Rs 40 lakh
