Some of the best T20 players are in IPL-21. This includes overseas stars and Indian players. So, who makes the top 10?
1. Chris Morris
Number one on this list is Chris Morris, arguably the top prize of the IPL 2021 Auction, amongst big players. The South African all-rounder offers a near-perfect package, with his death-overs bowling, lower-order hitting and can arguably challenge as one of the top 5 fielders in IPL history. Morris played for RCB in 2020 and they could look to buy him back. RR or KXIP may also be interested in acquiring his services.
2. Glenn Maxwell
The “Big Show,” Glenn Maxwell has failed to deliver in the Indian Premier League on multiple occasions and yet he is still persisted with. His all-round abilities mean that he is a very lucrative package. Maxwell struggled in 2020 for the Kings XI Punjab but is likely to be sold for a big price in the auction. CSK may be a good destination for Maxwell because Dhoni is known for getting the best out of seemingly declining players.
3. Steve Smith
Steve Smith may lack the T20 credentials of a power-hitter but you cannot argue with his statistics. In 95 IPL games, he has scored over 2000 runs at a batting average of 35. He could play an anchor-type role for any batting line-up. He played for RR in 2020 but the likes of KXIP and SRH might be in for him at the auction. Steve Smith was arguably amongst the top 5 Australian players at IPL 2020 and his class cannot be doubted.
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 24: Chris Morris of the Thunder bowls during the Big Bash League match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena on January 24, 2020 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
4. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan is a smart all-rounder, who would do well for a team that is looking to balance their side out. He can bat in the top 6 and bowl 4 overs on most days for any franchise. Shakib played for SRH at IPL 2020 but could move to a team such as KXIP or RCB.
5. Dawid Malan
Perhaps the biggest question mark at the IPL 2021 Auction, amongst big players, Dawid Malan features at number 5 on our list. He has been scintillating for England in T20I cricket and is currently ranked as the number one T20I batsman in the world. In 19 T20Is, Malan has scored 855 runs at a batting average of 53 and at a strike rate of 150.
RCB or CSK may try to buy Malan in the IPL Auction. Malan is in the form of his life. So, why not use the best cricket streaming services online to watch him bat at IPL 2021?
6. Umesh Yadav
The first Indian player, Umesh Yadav, is number six on our IPL 2021 Auction big players list. Despite struggling in the last two seasons, Yadav has shown what he is capable of in the past. He may be a good option for RR or MI.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 06: Dawid Malan of England(L) plays a shot as Alex Carey of Australia(R) looks on during the 2nd Vitality International Twenty20 match between England and Australia at The Ageas Bowl on September 06, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images for ECB)
7. Pawan Negi
The forgotten man of Indian Cricket, Pawan Negi is number 7 on this list. His all- round capabilities are not to be underestimated. Negi would be a good buy for a team such as SRH, who are struggling to find the right balance for their side.
8. Harbhajan Singh
Having endured a fantastic IPL career to date, Harbhajan Singh could be a shrewd buy for a team that lacks experience in their bowling department. He has won IPL titles with both the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings. RR may look to acquire his services to add strength to their bowling attack.
9. Kedar Jadhav
After a disappointing time with the Chennai Super Kings, Kedar Jadhav may be a good pick for other franchises. His recent performances in domestic cricket have been very strong and he is a solid top-order batsman. SRH could desperately use his services to strengthen their batting line-up.
10. Mujeeb ur Rahman
After a very good CPL in 2020, Mujeeb ur Rahman could be in for a big IPL payday. He is a mystery spinner who batsmen still struggle to pick. RR could look to buy Mujeeb ur Rahman.
-By Urban dsouza,
M.A; B.Ed; diploma in Journalism,
Executive MBA