IPL 2021 Auction: Best XI of Players that could attract Highest Bids

Glenn Maxwell set to be the centre of attraction as we look at the best 11 of players that could attract the highest bids at the IPL 2021 Auction. 

Update: Click here for the final updated squad for all the Teams for IPL 2021

After the recent announcement by BCCI for the pruned and final list for the IPL 2021 Auction, a total of 292 players are now available at the Auction for the 8 franchises. The list includes players across various price point – starting from INR 2 crores to INR 20 Lakhs, but as always the focus will be on the high base price players.

As many as 33 players are registered under a base price of INR 1 crore or more. Some of these players are definitely going to get bumper bidding value, while some may even get unsold given the overseas player’ restrictions. Apart from these, there are many exciting players in INR 0.75 crore or lesser category.

A few of the low base price players have done exceptionally well in other Domestic T20 formats or International cricket. Owing to gaps of most of the teams and the purse availability, expect a bidding war for them too. So, analyzing the potential of players, their past performance, and the gaps of different teams, here’s a team of best 11 players that could attract the highest bids at the IPL 2021 Auction.

#1: Sam Billings (WK) 

There are quite a few teams in IPL 2021 that are looking for back-up wicket-keepers in their rooster. The availability of good Indian keepers is a problematic area, hence the teams would have to rely on overseas wicket-keepers to further strengthen their squad. The teams that are looking for good wicket-keepers include RCB, who have only Josh Philippe and Delhi Capitals, who have only Rishabh Pant.

Looking at the available options, Sam Billings, Mattew Wade, Alex Carey, and Glen Philips seem the best options that could attract good bids. However, Sam Billings might get the best bids. He has good experience of playing in IPL, and can play in top-order as well as middle-order. Moreover, he is an active member of the England squad, which could strengthen his case. 

#2: Aaron Finch // Opener

Aaron Finch, the man who has played for 8 IPL franchises would once again be on the radar in the IPL 2021 Auction. From the current active teams, he has not played only for CSK and KKR. While KKR might not bid for him, CSK are looking for a replacement for Shane Watson, and can actually go for him. 

One might argue that Finch’s performance in IPL has been below-par even after playing 80-odd matches, but his recent International form has been electric, and it is about extracting the best out of him. Hence, this could prompt the teams like CSK and even RCB to get into a bidding war for Aaron Finch. 

#3: Dawid Malan // Top-order Batsman

The World number 1 batsman in T20Is, Dawid Malan would be the hottest property in the IPL 2021 Auction. Having registered himself at a base price of INR 1.5 crores, the teams like CSK and RCB, who are looking for a top-order batsman can actually find themselves in a  bidding war for Dawid Malan. Moreover, Malan has been in fantastic form, and would be available throughout the IPL. 

#4: Steve Smith // Middle-order Batsman

Having been a Rajasthan Royals loyalist over the years, the former RR captain, Steve Smith was finally released by the franchise owing to poor form, captaincy, and off-field behaviour. Adding to this was his whopping cost of INR 12.5 crores. Having said that, Steve Smith is still a very good player to not get selected. Hence, the teams like CSK, RCB, KXIP, and KKR might be after him at the IPL 2021 Auction. 

#5: Glenn Maxwell // All-rounder

No matter how much you try to ignore the notorious Glenn Maxwell, you just cannot deny that he would once again be a hot property in IPL 2021 Auction. He might have had the worst performance in IPL 2020; causing his exit from KXIP, his International form has been amazing. From the teams, the likes of CSK, SRH, RCB, KKR, and RR might be looking to acquire his services. 

#6: Shakib Al Hasan // All-rounder 

After missing the 2020 edition of the tournament due to ban initiated by ICC for unfair anti-corruption practices, Shakib Al Hasan is back for IPL 2021, and has registered himself at a base price of INR 2 Crores. There would be plenty of teams eying the all-rounder with the likes of RCB, KKR, KXIP, and RR leading the charge. All these teams are short of good all-rounders, and Shakib could just provide them with the right balance.  

#7: Shivam Dube // All-rounder

There are quite a few good Indian players available in the IPL 2021 Auction, but none offer what Shivam Dube, the all-rounder brings to the table. It was quite surprising RCB letting him go even when his cost wasn’t that high. Being an Indian all-rounder, many teams could be eying him including his hometown team, Mumbai Indians. It could be a high possibility, Shivam Dube might get bids higher than what he got previously in IPL.  

#8: Chris Morris // All-rounder

The tall and lanky all-rounder from South Africa was one of the highest-paid players in the IPL 2020 Auction. While he did well in limited opportunities he got for RCB, his injury concerns and high cost prompted RCB to release him. Given the void of fast bowling all-rounders in many teams, the likes of Delhi Capitals, KXIP, CSK, RR, KKR, and even RCB would be after him if he is available at a lower price.  

#9: Kyle Jamieson // Pacer

The rising pacer from New Zealand could well be one of the pacers to watch out for at the Auction. He had been performing exceptionally well for New Zealand off late, and his pace combined with ability to swing is a treat to watch. The teams like Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab would be after him, and hence there are high chances, he would get a good bidding. 

#10: Jhye Richardson // Pacer

The leading wicket-taker of the recently concluded BBL 2021, Jhye Richardson would be one of the pacers to watch out for alongside Kyle Jamison. The Aussie has been decent for Australia in T20Is, and is yet to make debut in IPL. Similar to Jamieson, teams like Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab shall be after him at the Auction. 

#11: Mujeeb Ur Rahman // Spinner

Kings XI Punjab’s underutilization combined with his high price tag has resulted in the expulsion of Mujeeb Ur Rahman from the KXIP side. There’s no doubt on Mujeeb’s talent, and his IPL 2018 was the proof of that. He would be the hottest spinner in the Auction, and the teams like MI, CSK, and RR would primarily be after him. 

So, that completes the best 11 of players that are expected to attract the highest bids at the IPL 2021 Auction. 

IPL 2021 Auction – Best 11 of Players that could attract Highest Bids:

Sam Billings (WK), Aaron Finch, Dawid Malan, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Shakib Al Hasan, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Kyle Jamieson, Jhye Richardson & Mujeeb Ur Rahman. 

Thanks for reading! Which of the above-mentioned players shall attract highest bids at the IPL 2021 Auction? Please email your comments to business@cricalytics.com

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