Which franchise is likely to buy which player in the IPL auction?
Glenn Maxwell, David Malan, Steve Smith are expected to be a big attraction in the IPL Auction 2021
IPL Auction 2021 is scheduled to take place on February 18 in Chennai at 3 pm. A total of 292 players including 164 Indian players, 125 overseas players and 3 players from Associate Nations would go under the hammer in the mini-auction.
IPL Auctions are always exciting as we have seen several rags to riches stories in the auctions that have happened in the last 13 years. Many franchises would look to fill the loophole which cost them in the last season. Let’s look at the possibility of which franchise is going to buy which player in the upcoming IPL Auction 2021.
Delhi Capitals
After smartly releasing Alex Carey, Jason Roy, Sandeep Lamichhane, Keemo Paul, and Tushar Deshpande, Delhi Capital would look to buy an all-rounder with finishing ability. Shivam Dubey could be the perfect buy for them as the all-rounder will compliment Shimron Hetmyer and Rishabh Pant, while finishing the innings.
Source: Jagran English
Rajasthan Royals
Having released Steve Smith, which definitely surprised few people, Rajasthan Royals would look to buy a big-hitter who could finish matches for them. Rajasthan Royals suffered last year as Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia were asked to finish the matches. Ben stokes was promoted up the order and Jos Buttler had an average IPL. Glenn Maxwell seems a perfect choice for them as he can also bowl a few overs for them apart from bringing awesome-hitting ability in the middle order.
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
The Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore has always struggled in the bowling department. They have released Chris Morris and Isuru Udana, so they would look to strengthen their bowling department. RCB might go for Australian pacer Jhye Richardson who had a fantastic BBL season recently. The young pacer took 27 wickets in 15 matches for Perth Scorchers. He can also be handy with the bat in hand.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians released their entire foreign bowling squad except for Trent Boult. With Lasith Malinga retired, Mumbai would look to make a strong bowling attack as they already have a strong batting unit. Tom Curran, Liam Plunkett, Sheldon Cottrell, or Chris Morris could be their go-through man in the IPL Auction 2021. We won’t be surprised if they buy 2 or 3 of these mentioned players.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings had their worst season in IPL 2020 as they finished 7th in the points table. Shane Watson has retired and now they would look for a dependable and consistent run-scorer. Steve Smith could be a good choice for CSK as he will provide stability in the middle order. Smith can also be promoted to top if needed. This could also be the last IPL for Dhoni, so CSK would need a new leader. Steve Smith could be that leader who can lead the successful franchise for the next 4-5 years.
Kolkata Knight Riders
It seems like Kolkata Knight Riders have run their course with Sunil Narine as their opener. They have released Tom Banton, so they would look to recruit a new partner for Shubhman Gill. David Malan could be the answer to their problem as Malan has good success in Sub-continent- Pakistan and Bangladesh. He could play the spinners comfortably as well. The world number 1 ranked David Malan would definitely be an attraction. We won’t be surprised if KKR spends huge money on him.
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Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings has bought the West Indian-pacer Sheldon Cottrell with much hope in IPL 2020. But Sheldon failed to live up to the expectations. Hence, Punjab released him along with New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. Now, they would look to buy a fast bowler and an all-rounder. Chris Morris, who performed decently well in the IPL 2020, could be a good fit in the Punjab Kings (renamed from Kings XI Punjab).
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Bangladeshi all-rounder missed the IPL 2020 due to a ban by ICC on him, but now he is available to return for the cash-rich tournament. His former franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad would definitely be interested in buying him as Shakib brings variation in both the bowling and batting department. Shakib brings flexibility to the team as he could bat at the top, middle, or even in the lower-middle. However, he can get a chance in the playing eleven only if someone from Jonny Bairstow, David Warner, Kane Williamson, Jason Holder, or Rashid Khan is not available to be picked in the final playing eleven.
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