IPL biggies up for grabs at the auctions
After months of speculation, the list of players retained by Indian Premier League teams has finally come out. While most big names made it to the retention list, the restriction of retaining just 3 players means that several big boys of the IPL could not be retained. Here is list of the biggies who will be up for grabs at the IPL auctions.
Spin sensation Rashid Khan
He might be young but this lad surely knows how to turn the ball. The Afghanistan leg-spinner has been in scintillating form since 2017 and it comes as a surprise that Sunrisers Hyderabad opted against retaining the spinner. He is the third highest wicket-taker in T20Is in 2017 and is currently setting the Big Bash League alight with his wicket taking skills.
Spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin
India's premier off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin was not retained by the Chennai Super Kings. 2017 has been an odd year for Ashwin who was mostly named in the Tests squad and has been left out of the limited overs series due to the BCCI's rotation policy. Ashwin has proved his mettle in the past and could be one of the big buys at the auctions.
Captain fantastic Gautam Gambhir
KKR opted against retaining their captain, Gautam Gambhir. One of the top performers in the IPL over the years, Gambhir changed KKR's fortunes when he took over the captaincy in 2011. Since then, SRK owned franchise has won two IPL titles with Gambhir at the helm. Don't be surprised if KKR use the Right to Match card for Gambhir.
Spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal
T20Is highest wicket taker in 2017, Yuzvendra Chahal was surprisingly not retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chahal picked up 23 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 14.13, outstanding figures in the shortest format. Chahal's statistics could mean he could attract a huge bid at the IPL auctions and RCB might have a problem in using the Right to Match option.
Champion Dwayne Bravo
Another key member of the Chennai Super Kings, all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is available at the IPL auctions. Well known for the ability to keep it tight in the death overs and big hitter of the ball, Bravo could be on the radar of several franchises. Bravo brings balance to most sides and if he isn't too expensive, CSK might just use the RTM card.
High flying Chris Lynn
Talk about the ability to hit big and you can't exclude Chris Lynn from that list. The man from Queensland showcased his prowess last season for KKR before he was halted by a shoulder injury. Lynn, however, is back with a bang in the ongoing Big Bash League and could be one of the big buys at the upcoming IPL auctions.
Dashing opener Shikhar Dhawan
For a man who has enjoyed the form of his life in the last 15 months, Sunrisers Hyderabad opted against retaining him even though they had a retention card remaining. One of the key performers in the Indian national team, Dhawan might be wishing for a hefty salary and could be in a new franchise for the upcoming edition of the IPL.
The young South African Quinton de Kock
There are few wicket-keeping batsmen in the world who could match the talent of this young sensation from South Africa. Quinton de Kock is definitely a match winner and he would be one of the hot properties at the auctions. Delhi have not opted to retain him but if his price does not surge at the auctions, they might use the RTM card.
The dangerous Glenn Maxwell
Few cricketers can boast the ability of turning a match in minutes, Glenn Maxwell is one among them. However, Kings XI Punjab have opted against retaining the Australian. His poor form has seen him dropped from the ODI squad and faces the possibility of missing out on the 2019 World Cup. IPL could be an opportunity for Maxwell to make a big statement.
India's vice captain Ajinkya Rahane
India's vice captain Ajinkya Rahane has not been retained by Rajasthan Royals. The right handed batsman is currently struggling to replicate his fine form and was even dropped from playing XI against South Africa. Rahane had a torrid time with the bat against Sri Lanka and that could be one of the reasons why he has not been retained.
