IPL Auctions 2014: 10 most coveted explosive hard-hitting batsmen
T20 is a format tailor-made for big-hitting batsmen and that is merely stating the obvious. The bowlers can be reduced to pieces of furniture on the flat decks that India offers and while an intelligent bowler will always make an impact, good bowling doesn’t necessarily bring corresponding rewards.
This prejudice has become apparent in the retention policies of the franchisees who have made it a point to secure their top order performers. The more popular, and cash-rich, franchisees such as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have retained their full quota of players which means that they will not be able to flaunt their money and will look at bargain buys instead.
They, as well as most other franchisees, will prioritize catching exceptional top-order and middle order batsmen who can up the ante from the word go or create some magic when the chips are down.
There is an incredible amount of big-hitting talent that will be up for grabs in the upcoming auction scheduled to take place on the 12 February. The evolution of cricket has fostered conditions that is throwing up players who have a wide variety of skills; they can muscle the ball, innovate when required and tackle pressure situations that are not uncommon in such a short, crisp format.
Here is a list of 10 big-hitting batsmen who have proved their credentials either on the international stage or in the previous editions of the Indian Premier League.
10. Yusuf Pathan – India
Yusuf Pathan
Base Price = 2 crore
The fortunes of Yusuf Pathan have oscillated drastically since the inception of the Indian Premier League. The elder of the Pathan brothers was one of the finds of the first edition when he won the title with Rajasthan Royals under the captaincy of Shane Warne.
The right-handed marauder never seemed to struggle for consistently which has been the case in subsequent editions. He was instrumental in that campaign for the Royals and he made a match winning half-century in the final and made vital contributions with the ball as well.
Pathan relishes the prospect of taking on spin in the middle overs of the format but can be used as an aggressive opener at the top of the order as India did in the 2007 T-20 world cup final. He suffered a frustrating campaign with Kolkata Knight Riders but he exhibited glimpses of his talent. He needs a mentor, like Warne was in 2007, who can place trust in his abilities and back him.
9. Marlon Samuels – West Indies
Marlon Samuels
Base Price = 2 crore
The West Indian is an ideal fit for the format but one fears that he will miss out in the auctions due to the unfavorable impression his attitude makes. He has the ability to hit the ball a long way and he has proved his credentials with some match winnings knocks in the past.
He was the leading man for West Indies when they lifted the T20 World Cup; only if he could bring consistency and a gravity in his approach to the game he would be an incomparable asset for any franchisee.
He can also chip in with the ball bowling quicker ones mixed with off-spin bowling. He should be slotted in the lower-middle order and assigned an out-and-out aggressive role allowing him to express himself from the very first delivery.