IPL 2014: Best 11 players available in auctions

The cat is out of the bag. The eight participating franchisees of the Indian Premier League have announced their respective lists of retained players which means that a number of quality players have been added to the “for sale” list.

While the retained players will provide the franchisee with skill, talent, identity as well as fan following, the game of cricket will always be about collective performance which means that squad building will be much more important than player retention.

This is even more true considering the fact that the cap of 60 crore imposed upon the franchisees leaves different teams with different financial capacities as they enter the auction. For instance, Delhi Daredevils will have their entire kitty of 60 crore to spend whereas Mumbai Indians who have retained the maximum possible five players will only have 21 crore to complete their squad.

This will create a relatively level playing field for the participating franchisees overall but also allow the franchisees like Delhi to exercise more muscle in the auction process.

This article will try to pick a team of 11 players from all departments of the game to provide some insight into the process of team building. In doing so, I will pick up what I consider to be the best possible picks in those departments out of the players that may be available come February 12 when the auction begins.

The selection will also try to closely follow the guidelines of team building which means we will be selecting a maximum of 4 foreign players, some young Indian talent as well as current Indian regulars. Here is a list of XI players who should find multiple suitors when the hammer begins to come down:

Openers

1. David Warner

David Warner

The pocket-bomb was a lone-fighter in the Delhi Daredevils’ ranks last year and would not mind jumping ship this year. Many would have thought that he was a player Delhi could have retained but they went for a complete overhaul, and seem to be putting all their money into new coach Gary Kirsten’s hands.

They still hold onto that “Right to Match” card, which means that Delhi will be able to match the highest bid for Warner if they wish to. Warner had a spectacular Ashes campaign where he redeemed himself of the horrors from the previous campaign earlier in 2013.

His overall IPL record justifies his selection as the opener has 2 tons and 10 fifties to his name at a strike rate of over 130.00 and has average of almost 30.00. He pips compatriot Aron Finch for the position for his greater technical ability, IPL experience and red-hot run of form.

2. Mike Hussey (Captain)

Michael Hussey

The Australian legend, Mr. Cricket and Chennai Super Kings’ much loved knight in shining armour retired early last year but his stock remains high in the Indian Premier League. This is of course not extra-ordinary as many retired cricketers have taken to the Indian Premier League stage with elan, but Hussey brings a new level of professionalism and will be an excellent addition to any side.

He was the highest run-getter in the last instalment played in 2013 and what makes the achievement even more impressive is the fact that he pipped Chris Gayle for the crown who was in devastating form. Hussey scored an astonishing 733 runs at an average of 52.35 runs with 6 fifties to his credit.

He is deceptively explosive with his orthodox batting style and can play in multiple gears providing anchor when required or battering from the word go. It is hard to believe that he wasn’t retained but the cap over the retention of foreign players means that other teams have the opportunity to make the best of this chance.

Other Options: Aron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Dwayne Smith, Murali Vijay and Virender Sehwag.