IPL 2020 Auction: The Best 11 of Released Overseas Players
IPL 2020 Auction: David Miller to Captain as we find the best possible pre-auction 11 from the list of released overseas players.
Ahead of the IPL 2020 Auction on December 19, the 8 IPL franchises have released a total of 71 players. The list includes 34 overseas stars and 37 Indian Cricketers. It is surprising to note that, of the 34 foreign cricketers who were released, many had been a crucial part of their respective franchises over the last few seasons.
A variety of factors might have been behind the termination of their contracts ahead of the upcoming Auction. From the outset, Irregular form and expensive price-tags could have been the principal reasons to have driven these bold decisions. Before these talented overseas players go into the Auction once again, we bring to you the best 11 from the list of released overseas players for IPL 2020. Please note, we would stick to playing 5 Batsmen, 6 Bowlers & All-rounders.
Openers: Chris Lynn & Colin Munro
Chris Lynn and Colin Munro will occupy the slots at the top of the order in this line-up. The duo’s big-hitting skills along with the right-left combination would make them for a destructive pair at the top.
While Lynn’s hefty price-tag led to his release from KKR, Munro was deemed surplus to requirements at Delhi. Both these cricketers will command decent bids at the upcoming Auctions.
Chris Lynn is sure to attract the majority for the franchises because of the form he is in right now. Moreover, a change in the team can actually allow him to be at his best next season.
On the other hand, Colin Munro is yet to prosper in the IPL and hence, he has a point to prove in 2020. He will also be regarded as an all-round option by many teams at the auction.
Other Batsmen: Evin Lewis, Sam Billings (Wk), & David Miller (C)
Evin Lewis will consider himself lucky for being released by Mumbai Indians. The overcrowded top-order that the defending champions possess, Lewis would have anyway found it difficult get the desired games. It is now for him to convince franchisees to bid for him by grabbing all the opportunities he gets on the field before the auction.
Sam Billings might actually turn out to be an appealing prospect at the forthcoming auctions. He is young, a skilled middle-order batsman, and a reliable wicket-keeping option. Hence, it wouldn’t be the wrong decision to hand him a one-year contract. Moreover, as we witnessed two seasons ago at CSK, Billings can also win games single-handedly for his team.
After a barren run in the IPL for last few seasons, Kings XI Punjab finally released David Miller from their squad. An accomplished cricketer in the T20 format, Miller’s big-hitting skills are something the opposition bowlers would always be wary of. Hence, apart from being the most crucial member in the batting line-up, Miller will also get to captain this team.
All-Rounders: Shakib Al-Hasan, Colin de Grandhomme & Chris Morris
Shakib Al-Hasan will not feature in the upcoming edition of IPL as he suspended by ICC after his failure to report bookie-approaches. However, he still makes it to this XI on account of being one of the best all-rounders recently released by the IPL franchises.
Colin de Grandhomme is in good form right now across all formats. The tall New Zealand player is a handy cricketer with his efficient skills in both the departments. He is known for his quick cameos with the bat, and his ability to break crucial partnerships with the ball makes him a useful player to have in the team.
Chris Morris could be one of the overseas stars to trigger a bidding war between the franchises at the auction. While the South African’s previous employer Delhi Capitals will be keen to retain the players’ services at a lower amount, Morris’ innate T20 skills will interest a few other franchises as well. Morris’ organized game with the ball along with his ability to wield the long willow with effect makes him an asset in this format.
Bowlers: Dale Steyn, Andrew Tye & Ish Sodhi
Dale Steyn returned to RCB last season and literally lit up the tournament with two solid performances. However, his stint was cut short due to an injury. In the ongoing Mzansi Super League, the former No.1 Test bowler is in fine form, showing glimpses of his glory days. Although Steyn might not be expected to feature in all the 14 games of IPL, the energy that he infuses with his bowling could draw him a few bids at the auction.
KXIP released Andrew Tye owing to the concern regarding his timely return from injury for IPL 2020. Nevertheless, Tye would still interest a few teams if he enters the auction. He is tailor-made for the T20 format with his slower deliveries and off-cutters.
Rajasthan Royals boasts of a bunch of leg-spinners for the upcoming edition. Hence, the Jaipur-based franchise released former No.1 T20 bowler, Ish Sodhi before the auction. Ish is a handy cricketer who is adept at picking wickets during the middle-overs. He also has many tricks up his sleeve to deceive the batsmen, which might help him to find a buyer at the auction.
So, that’s the best playing 11 from the list of released overseas players before the IPL 2020 Auction. What changes you would have made? Let’s know in the feedback section.
IPL 2020 Best Playing 11 of Released Overseas Players:
Chris Lynn, Colin Munro, Evin Lewis, Sam Billings (Wk), Shakib Al-Hasan, David Miller (C), Colin de Grandhomme, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, Andrew Tye, and Ish Sodhi.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Final list of retained players of all the Teams before the Auction
Nesara is an Author at AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics. He is an Engineer by profession. Watching Cricket, Football & Movies is one of his topmost priorities within the day.
