IPL Auction 2020: 3 teams that could target Tom Banton this year
The auction for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is just a few days away; it will take place on 19 December 2019 in Kolkata. All the eight teams will take part in the mega event with the intention of making the best use of their money. The fans would also be excited to see the bidding wars between the IPL franchises.
In the lead-up to the auction, the young Englishman Tom Banton has captured the attention of all the teams. He is playing for the Qalandars in the T10 league in Abu Dhabi right now, and is making heads turn with his big hitting.
The budding star will make his auction debut this year and based on his mind-boggling records for Somerset, he could earn a big contract.
Banton aggregated 549 runs in the Vitality T20 Blast this year. Apart from that, he even played a sparkling knock of 80 runs off just 28 balls at a strike-rate of 285.71 versus Karnataka Tuskers in the T10 League.
Also see – Ranji trophy points table
Here, we look at three IPL franchises that could target Banton at the upcoming auction.
#3 Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in IPL history, with the 2019 title being their fourth in 12 seasons. The franchise led by Rohit Sharma has performed exceptionally well in the league, and features a lot of star names such as the Pandya brothers, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard and Quinton de Kock.
Mumbai Indians had expressed their interest in signing Banton before the trade window for IPL 2020 closed. The side released Evin Lewis on 15th November, which has all but confirmed that the Mukesh Ambani-owned franchise will go after Banton in the auction.
Banton would be the perfect replacement for Lewis, and MI would be hoping he can strengthen their batting lineup.