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Auction Synopsis
The IPL 2021 auction was finally held on the 18th of February in Chennai. The much awaited IPL season has indeed got a bunch of talents from all around the world. Some of the biddings made were indeed reaching the skies and some of them were quite surprising. Every team out there had a mindset of picking particular players, so as to fill in the gaps that they lacked in previous occasions. There were quite a lot of youngsters picked and surprisingly some proved to be costlier than the capped and experienced players, as such is the intensity of expectations in IPL.
IPL 2021 Top Five Expensive Buys
1) Chris Morris
The record finally remains broken, as Mr. Morris stands out to be the highest paid player brought from the auctions. The ex-RCBian is all set to enter the Royal family again, as Rajasthan finally gets the player they had always wanted. Morris had a tremendous IPL last year with RCB. The only concern is about his fitness and injury remains a major factor for the team to consider.
2) Kyle Jamieson
Next, we have the Kiwi all-rounder who is set to make his debut in IPL this year. He offers enough pace and variations with the ball, and stands to be the perfect replacement for the seat left by Chris Morris. He is the only IPL debutant who is paid 15 crores in his very first season. Coach Mike Hesson will look to use him well for RCB.
3) Glenn Maxwell
Up on the list is the ever- famous Aussie Maxwell. He seemed to be in peak form in the recent series against India, but was ruled out of KXIP due to lack in consistency. Surprisingly, the power hitter couldn’t manage to hit a single six in the entire tournament. Getting Maxwell into RCB, indeed makes the other teams fear due to the five monstrous top order players i.e Padikkal, Philippe, Virat, De Villers and Maxwell.
4) Jhye Richardson
On number four we have Jhye Richardson, from Australia. The first time IPL debutant was a man responsible for the victory of Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash finals. The one man army was a quick pick by the Punjab Kings. The right arm fast bowler was a smart pick as his age factor also plays a major role for the franchise that he plays. He has got a long career and if he performs well, then he would maintain his standards and price level.
5) Krishnappa Gowtham
Last but not the least, stands our very own all-rounder from Karnataka. He broke the record for being the highest paid uncapped player in the 2021 IPL auction. This all-rounder had a fantasy in the recent Mustaq Ali trophy, and hence many franchises had a keen eye in getting Gowtham. He also has got a wide range of shots and variations in his kit. We hope he would have a wonderful journey with CSK this year.
IPL 2021 Top Three Quick Steals
1) Dawid Malan
The most expected player in this auction finally remained to be sold at his base price. The worlds No.1 T20 batsmen was a quick steal by the Punjab Kings. But it wasn’t a good idea getting him into this team, as they already have 4-5 openers and good range of middle order batsmen.
2) Steve Smith
The former Rajasthan Royals captain was also most expected to go on a higher price. But surprisingly he was sold to Delhi in his very second bid. The Australian would look to bring a come back in the T20 format, and make an impression for the Capitals.
3) Shakib Al-Hassan
We also have the well experienced Shakib under this category of quick steals. This player was again expected to rise in terms of price, but was settled under 3.5 crores by his former team owner of KKR. His ability with both bat as well as with the ball would definitely change the fortunes of the Knight Riders.
IPL 2021 Top Three Uncapped Players
1) Shah Rukh Khan
The unexpected buy by the Punjab Kings was Shah Rukh. Was it the name that attracted the Kings? Or was it talent? Well let’s see what this youngster has got in his bag. He got a pretty decent chance in the Mustaq Ali trophy and has utilized it very well to make it to the IPL. Will he match his price of 5.25 crore?
2) Sachin Baby
On the list we have Sachin Baby, who was mind-blowing when he captained the Kerala state cricket team. He shifted quick gears over the past few years and is a well-skilled player now. This player was already a part of RCB few years ago, and will still continue his journey under King Kohli.
3) Arjun Tendulkar
Well Arjun’s entry into MI was not surprising at all, as it was quite obvious to all the fans. He was sold at his base price and was quite worth the price. A left arm pacer and a man with batting abilities is a very rare combination. This young lad has got great talent and will soon turn out to be junior Master Blaster.
IPL 2021 Team Rating
Rajasthan Royals – 7.6/10
Mumbai Indians – 9.0/10
Kolkata Knight Riders – 8.6/10
Sunrisers Hyderabad – 7.3/10
Royal Challengers Bangalore 8.8/10
Chennai Super Kings – 7.1/10
Delhi Capitals – 8.2/10
Punjab Kings – 8.0/10
Note: All the predictions, suggestions and ratings given were all based on my analysis, and has no genuine source from any official IPL site or social media.
Tarun