Indian players will be in big demand as always during IPL 2021 auction on Thursday, so here are five players that could fetch a big fee this year.
The Mini-Auctions for the much-awaited Incredible Premier League will be held on February 18 in Chennai where all the eight franchises will be looking to strengthen the squad for next season from a pool of 292 players. BCCI trimmed the list for auction from 1097 applications to 292 to make the jobs for the clubs a bit easier.
After some consultation with the franchise, the Indian governing body has named 164 Indian players that will go under the hammer on Thursday. Like always, the players have selected their base price under six categories with Rs 2 crores – the highest slab and the lowest base price at INR 20 lakhs. Since many teams will be looking to strengthen the Indian core of the squad, here are five Indian cricketers that could end up waging a bidding war.
Shivam Dube
Base price: Rs 50 lakhs
All-rounders are a game changing commodity in T-20 cricket. A fast bowling all-rounder is a very rare type of cricketer at the top level in India. O. After a mediocre 2020 season, Royal Challengers Bangalore decided to part ways with Shivam Dube. However, one team’s loss can be another team’s gain in a matter of time. Dube is a proven utility player that can quickly score runs lower down the order since he has the talent to hit big sixes. He can also chip in with a wicket or two here and there with his medium pace bowling. Since Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders needs to strengthen middle order with Indian batsman, Dube could end up taking a big pay packet.
Shahrukh Khan
Base price: Rs 20 lakhs
Shahrukh Khan played a key role in Tamil Nadu’s triumph in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Khan has also thrived in Tamil Nadu Premier Leagye. Stating tall at over six feet, Khan is known for consistently smashing the ball out of the park. His gentle off breaks can also make a big difference on the subcontinent pitches. Khan has impressed in the domestic circuit just before the auction, so there is a chance that he ends up becoming one of the buys of this season. His ability to make an impact with bat and ball makes him a special talent.
Mohammed Azharuddeen
Base price: Rs 20 lakhs
Mohammed Azharudden was another find from the Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 tournament. The 27-year-old explosive wicket-keeper batsman grabbed headlines by smashing 137 runs off just 54 balls against Mumbai to become the third-fastest Indian to hit a T20 century. An explosive wicketkeeping batsman provides more balance to the team, so Azhaurdeen will be in for a shout with a move to Rajasthan Royals as they need to strengthen batting unit after departure of Steve Smith. He could be a handy option for Sunrisers Hyderabad as they need an explosive Indian wicketkeeper batsman that can compete with Wriddhiman Saha.
Vishnu Solanki
Base price: Rs 20 lakhs
Vishnu Solanki can be one of finds of IPL 2021 auction due to his incredible batting performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali, helping Baroda to reach the final. Solanki was the fifth-highest run-getter in the tournament, boasting an astonishing average of 53.40. He scored two fifties and two forties, including his thrilling performances in the knockout games. Solanki’s ability as finisher could make him an attractive option for teams such as CSK, RR, and RCB that are looking to strengthen the batting unit.
Umesh Yadav
Base price: Rs 1 crore
A lot of franchises need an experienced Indian fast bowler for the playing XI, so Umesh Yadav will be in demand despite playing limited games with RCB last season. His pace will be handy on uneven Indian wickets, and experience at the top level will help young bowlers in the squad. After RCB released Umesh for the auction, DC, CSK, KKR, & KXIP could go after him as they need an experienced Indian pacer. It will be a big surprise if he is sold for his base price.