IPL 2014 Auctions: Expect the unexpected, and more!
2014 IPL Auctions are eagerly awaited, with big players up for grabs
As the embattled ODI world champions wrap up a shambolic performance in the limited-overs format within the cool climes of New Zealand, focus has already shifted to the upcoming auctions for the seventh season of the flashy Indian Premier League.
With numerous rule changes implemented in order to banish the ghosts of the previous edition, interest in the buying and selling of players’ services has risen to incredible levels, although I expect that the auctions themselves may not be as thrilling as before.
With one franchise terminated and another one opting for a fresh start, the job of selecting a core squad has become quite a tough one. Keeping in mind that the Right-to-Match (RTM) or Joker Card has been put in as one of the ways to finalize a team of 27 players, we might just see a few surprises in terms of selection and price tags – within the specified limits, of course!
Here is one possible picture of how the bidding process might pan out this time around:
Possible Surprises:
a. Yuvraj Singh – a Royal Challenger , Daredevil or Knight Rider?
Yuvraj Singh
After the BCCI terminated the Pune Warriors franchise, the selection pool just grew bigger. Prominent among the players in that side was the mercurial Yuvraj Singh, who missed the fifth season due to his treatment for cancer and didn’t make too much of an impact in the sixth owing to a back injury.
A slump in form has seen him axed from the national team, though he has fought his way back to top-flight physical fitness. Even so, he remains a world-class T20 player, capable of changing the course of a game single-handedly.
Even before the auctions commence, some behind-the-scenes lobbying for the all-rounder has already started, with RCB skipper Virat Kohli reportedly keen on having his illustrious senior in the red-and-gold franchise. If they succeed, the Bangalore outfit might just get enough firepower to finally get their hands on the coveted trophy.
However, they may have to overcome serious competition from the Delhi Daredevils (a franchise which has its full purse of INR 60 crore intact) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (a side high on flair but low on the results despite winning the title in 2012). The other heavyweights – Rajasthan, Mumbai and Chennai – may not bid as heavily as the others, owing to lower amounts in their purses, while Yuvraj does not seem interested in returning to the Punjab franchise.
Hyderabad could pose a threat, but I see the first of many bidding wars between the first three mentioned outfits.
Base Price: INR 2 crore
Expected to be sold at: INR 5-6 crore
Likely winner: Delhi Daredevils (owing to bigger purse strings)
b. Corey Anderson – Lower base price, higher stakes
Corey Anderson
Since smashing the 17-year-old record for the fastest ODI hundred, the left-handed Kiwi all-rounder has been the talk of the town in cricketing circles. Rather surprisingly, he has chosen to set his base price at INR 1 crore, instead of the expected INR 2 crore.
I would expect all franchises to pull out all the stops when going for Anderson. For one thing, having utility players in your side is very vital – they can turn a game on its head with a few huge hits or a few quick wickets.
For another, Anderson is the man in form, having played a stellar role in dethroning India from the top ranking in ODI cricket on the current tour. He also possesses the enthusiasm of youth (at 23), and will, no doubt, excel in Indian conditions. God help the franchises when the war starts!
Base Price: INR 1 crore
Expected to be sold at: INR 5-6 crore
Likely winner: Chennai Super Kings
c. Virender Sehwag – Unsold?
Virender Sehwag
This could be one of the major surprises if the Nawab of Najafgarh is not picked up at least in the first round of the player auctions. Out of form and favour, the 35-year-old dashing opener has had a torrid time in the desert climate of domestic cricket. His former franchise, the Daredevils, have given him too long a rope in previous editions, and the axe had to fall some time.
The bidding for Viru will be fierce, despite his current travails. Although Delhi might use the Joker’s Card as a way to retain him, it is more than likely that he may just go unsold in the first round. Past reputations have always held sway over the powers-that-be, yet this time it may be different.
Base Price: INR 2 crore
Expected to be sold at: INR 3.5 crore-4 crore (based on current form)
Likely winner: Delhi Daredevils (if they play the RTM card and Sehwag agrees to settle for a lower value)
There will be more surprises in store this time, though it is difficult to predict them all.