IPL 2014: Five valuable overseas players - Predictions

It’s that time of the year again – auctions, bids, numerous intrigues and the ultimate composition of championship-winning teams eyeing the glittering trophy at the end of a gruelling schedule.

With numerous rule changes in place after a rather controversial sixth season, the powers-that-be have taken steps in the right direction in order to ensure a clean bidding process as well as a top-class, spiffy tournament. One of the key changes is the Right-To-Match option granted to all franchises, and it remains to be seen how they work it into their strategy, when the auction commences.

Overseas players have traditionally done well in this extravaganza. Beginning with Brendon McCullum’s blazing innings in the inaugural season, all subsequent editions have seen a phenomenal rise in the performance of foreigners. The likes of Mitchell Johnson and Cameron White have joined the party on more than one occasion, while old warhorses Adam Gilchrist (now retired) and Mike Hussey have provided rollicking starts quite a few times for their respective sides.

With the cap on such players increased to five per team, it gives the think-tank plenty of options depending on the conditions as well as the game-plan for each match.

Here is a list of five valuable overseas players who will make a mark in the seventh edition:

AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

AB de Villiers

The South African live-wire will be happy to return to the format in which he has not only excelled at the international level, but also raised the excitement levels of die-hard Twenty20 fans across the subcontinent. The Chinnaswamy stadium will, once again, be set ablaze by his innovative pyrotechnics.

De Villiers needs neither an introduction nor an invitation to go after the bowling from the word go. Fast as a gazelle between the wickets, his quicksilver reflexes can still bring lots of runs even if he is unable to get the huge hits. I can picture him getting a century in this season in at least one match – provided Gayle and Kohli don’t beat him to it first!

Extremely agile and energetic behind the stumps or in the outfield, Abraham Benjamin de Villiers will be a prized target for the opposition. Exciting times ahead for the Pretoria native!