5 Overseas openers to start a bidding war in IPL auction
There is only couple of weeks until the IPL mega auction and all 10 franchises (2 of them new) are putting the finishing touches on their goals for what might be a historic season in the Indian Premier League.
Let’s see once again the full list of teams participating in IPL 2022. This time there will be 10 franchises to fight for a 1stplace in IPL:
Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, SunRisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Lucknow Super Giants and yet to be named Ahmedabad team.
The 15th edition of IPL is likely to start at end of March. The exact dates to be confirmed.
The upcoming mega auction has a great value and significance. These two days determine the shape of a franchise for the following three seasons. All of the clubs have attempted to keep part of their core group - no more than four cricketers - therefore all eyes will be on how they bolster their squads through outside recruiting.
Let’s see the list of openers that can spark a bidding war in mega auction
David Warner
This one is likely to be a hot pick in upcoming auction. With 5,449 runs in 149 matches, he is the most successful overseas batsman in the IPL. The aggressive Australian, who captained the Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL 2016 title, left the team in an unceremonious manner last year when he was ousted as captain and then demoted from the starting XI.
The SRH's decision to retain Kane Williamson and two young players - Abdul Samad and Umran Malik - over Warner was a clear indicator that they are not interested in extending their lengthy relationship with him. This, on the other hand, throws up a slew of possibilities for Warner. His swashbuckling hitting at the top and his leadership abilities may help a lot of teams.
Jonny Bairstow
He was one of the greatest stars for SRH team for the last 2 seasons of IPL. Bairstow has a strike rate of 142.19 in the IPL, which is much higher than the strike rate of most of the tournament's openers. KKR, who have failed to find a reliable opener since the exit of Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa, may be interested in Bairstow.
Quinton de Kock
One of the cleanest strikers the ball of world cricket. While opening the batting for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, he demonstrated his worth several times. In the just completed ODI series against India, De Kock was in excellent form. The scouts had to be keeping a close eye on the left-hander. When de Kock's name comes up in the huge auction, expect the stock to soar.
Jason Roy
Just like his partner Jonny Bairstow, Roy played for SRH team. If he gets going, the right-hander can single-handedly crush bowling attacks, which he does frequently in white-ball cricket. Punjab Kings and RCB, for example, probably will be willing to spend a lot of money for his services.
Faf du Plessis
For Chennai Super King franchise, it was unfortunate to not be able to keep Faf du Plessis. Because for the past several seasons, he has been a key member of their hitting lineup. What can we say, the former South African captain, a rock at the top of the order and a brilliant outfielder, will undoubtedly be on CKS's wishlist, but don't be shocked if other organizations lift the paddle to get Faf on-board?
