(From left) Jos Buttler, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are all in the IPL auction pool. (Sportzpics)
IPL mega auction: From Jos Buttler to Mitchell Starc, Marco Jansen to Mitchell Marsh, Liam Livingstone to Glenn Maxwell, there is no shortage of X-factor overseas players up for grabs in the IPL mega auction. There is a strong likelihood that they could even end up with higher bids than some Indian stars. Here is a look at those who will be of interest to multiple franchises:
Jos Buttler: The England regular white-ball captain has been struggling of late, but the auction will provide a definite picture about where his stocks lie. A marauding power-hitter with a proven track record, Buttler will be a top target for many teams on the lookout for an overseas opener. Add his leadership qualities and Buttler’s name could witness intense bidding.
Likely destination: Andy Flower would be tempted to bring him to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Even Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants could pursue him with interest. If there aren’t many takers, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings could also join the race.
Mitchell Starc: Last time his name was up, the Australian quick took home Rs 24.75 crore. The possibility of another huge bid isn’t ruled out as Starc’s thunderbolts will be sought after by all franchises. Though he can be expensive if doesn’t get his line and length right, once he finds his rhythm, he has the ability to win matches on his own. Add the left-arm angle, and Starc has it in him to fetch huge bids.
Likely destination: Kolkata Knight Riders could sign him up again for a lower price, but may face stiff competition from Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. There is also a strong likelihood of Mumbai Indians – despite a small purse at their disposal – ready to throw everything to get him.
Marco Jansen: Tall, left-arm pacer and a capable hitter at No 8 or 9. In an era when teams seek batting depth, Jansen fits the bill as he can also be counted as a frontline bowling option. His stocks in the Proteas set-up has been rising and even in the recent T20Is against India, he showed what he is capable of with the bat. Even in the days of the Impact Player, Jansen can be a handy utility player.
Likely destination: Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians could show interest in him, but whether they will be ready to spend big on him is debatable. If it is out of their reach, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals could come in.
Mitchell Marsh: An all-rounder who can be used as a top-order batsman or in the middle order, Marsh ticks the boxes. His bowling, especially the cutters, could be handy at venues like Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. In that sense, the chances of him generating interest from many franchises isn’t bright. But he will remain a player of interest for at least two or three.
Likely destination: Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer could fight for him to bring him to Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. Outside of the two, Sunrisers Hyderabad may show interest.
Liam Livingstone: Another punishing middle-order batsman who can bowl both off-spin and leg-spin. A T20 power-hitter who can be a match-winner on his own. Livingstone would generate bids from all corners, especially for his batting capabilities. Teams that play their home games on flat decks would be keen to go big on him.
Likely destination: Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. If the bidding is low, Chennai Super Kings could also come into the picture.
Glenn Maxwell: No overseas player has blown hot and cold in the IPL as much as Maxwell, but that hasn’t stopped franchises from spending big on him. The trend shouldn’t change this time either, but how far they are prepared to go is the question. Thanks to his all-round ability and utility as a finisher, Maxwell remains an interest for many franchises. The consistency is missing, but it hasn’t mattered to franchises.
Likely destination: Royal Challengers Bengaluru getting him back is a strong possibility. Ricky Ponting too could take him to Punjab Kings. Mumbai Indians, who prefer an overseas big hitter, could also go for him, as could Chennai Super Kings.
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