Indian Players to watch out for in the IPL Auctions

 

The IPL is considered to be a platform where talent meets opportunity so as to showcase its skills. It has been a proving ground for youngsters over the years. The League has given them a great amount of exposure which prepares them for the next milestone; that is International Cricket. For the rest, it gives them the chance to reinvent themselves, in order to stay relevant in the cricketing world. 

With the list of the released players out and hundreds of others waiting in the shelf, here is a list of Indian Cricketers who are most likely to make it big in the IPL Auctions this year.

1. KEDAR JADHAV - Being one of the biggest Indian names available for the auction this year, Kedar Jadhav comes with a great reputation of being a good match finisher. Despite his size, Jadhav has been one of India's best finishers in the past few years. Kedar regained his form in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he played a couple of decent knocks. He's the ideal choice for teams looking for a No. 5-No. 6 batsman who can score runs at a decent strike rate, which is evident of the fact that Kedar features in the list of players with the best strike rate in ODIs. Hoping to overcome his last year's performance, here's wishing Jadhav a great season ahead irrespective of the team he plays for. 

Expected Price Purchase Range : 3-5 Crores

Expected Team : RR, KXIP, RCB

2. SHIVAM DUBE - Having still not met his potential yet, Shivam Dube is one of India's top fast bowling all-rounders at the moment. With his hard hitting batting abilities at the lower end of the innings, Dube can be as dangerous as it gets. His 6-hitting abilities have often led to comparisons with those of Yuvraj Singh in recent years. Apart from that, Shivam can even chip in a couple of overs with the ball, helping decrease the burden on the main bowlers. At just 27, Shivam Dube has a lot to look forward to and a decent IPL contract with the right team may just be the beginning of something bigger and better.

 Expected Price Purchase Range : 2-6 Crores

Expected Team : RCB, SRH, KXIP, MI

3. KRISHNAPPA GOWTHAM - Nicknamed 'Bhajji', Krishnappa Gowtham does resemble his idol, Harbhajan Singh, with his prolific off spin bowling and the explosive batting abilities at the tail end. He has proven to be a T20 speciliast over the years and comes with a bucked load of experience. The Karnataka born is the right fit for teams looking for a spinner who can add on a few valuable runs towards the latter stages of the innings. 

Expected Price Purchase Range : 2-4 Crores

Expected Team : MI, CSK, SRH

4. UMESH YADAV - Being amongst the list of India's best fast bowlers over the past decade, Umesh Yadav must be destined to right the wrongs of his performances in the last few seasons of the IPL. Yadav has got all it takes in his arsenal to be the leader of the pace attack for any given side, be it pace, swing, control or bounce and can be effective with the new and old ball as well. His consistency and being prone to injuries have been an issue in recent times but it can be overcome with the adequate amount of effort. With all things being said, Umesh Yadav is an ideal pick for teams looking to boost their Indian Pace attack. 

Expected Price Purchase Range : 3-5 Crores

Expected Team : CSK, RR, KXIP, DC

5. PUNIT BISHT - Being one of India's most underrated cricketers, Puneet Bisht was in the limelight recently after his career defining innings of 146* off just 51 balls in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He smashed 17 sixes in his innings and matched Chris Gayle's record of the most sixes hit in a T20 Match. Having an average of over 102 in the tournament, Punit made a statement that he's ready for the big leagues one more time. An attacking middle order batsman, who happens to be a wicket keeper as well, Punit Bisht will surely attract a lot of attention from the franchises.

Expected Price Purchase Range : 1-2.5 Crores

Expected Teams : RR, SRH, KKR

6. S. SREESANTH - After completing his suspension and making his much awaited comeback in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sreesanth was bound to return to the IPL to complete the metaphorical circle. At almost 38, Sreesanth has been working really hard on his fitness and bowling to adapt to the game since he last played it. Several franchises have shown interest in him and have contacted him to be prepared for the IPL which will see his return in our the TV sets, on the cricket field; where he rightfully belongs. The right arm pacer is a decent option for teams looking for Indian fast bowlers as he's determined to right his wrongs of the past.  

Expected Price Purchase Range : 1-2 Crores

Expected Teams : RR, RCB, KXIP

7. SHAHRUKH KHAN - Shahrukh Khan is a dyed-in-the-wool finisher and this breed comes rare in the game. His prolific outings with the bat have shown that he too has what it takes to be a "big-budget star". The youngster's performances with the willow in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy towards the latter stages in the innings [ 12(4), 18*(10), 40*(19), 18*(7) ] show that the 25 year-old is bound to be one of the best finishers in the format. Such talents cannot and should not be lost in the shuffle, as several teams, looking for quality match finishers must be eyeing him. 

Expected Price Purchase Range : 1-3 Crores

Expected Teams : SRH, RR, RCB, KXIP

HONORABLE MENTIONS : 

1. Harbhajan Singh

2. Varun Aaron

3. Mohammad Azharuddin

4. Murali Vijay

5. Karun Nair

6. Kedar Devdhar

7. Piyush Chawla

Who are you looking forward to see represent your favourite side? Tell us about it in the comments.