For the Indian Premier League franchises, apart from the various T20 leagues around the globe, the ICC showpiece event of the T20 World Cup is also an ideal place to scout for players. In fact, as per a few reports, there were a few IPL scouts at the event. From IPL 2022, two new teams will take part in the tournament. Hence, there will be a demand for additional players from the competition. In this article, we take a look at five performers of the 2021 T20 World Cup who could get a big IPL contract in the mega-auctions.
Note: We have only considered cricketers who were not part of IPL 2021.
1) Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)
Games: 5 || Runs: 177 || Average: 59 || Strike Rate: 116.45
Many in South Africa feel that Rassie van der Dussen was not at his exact best at the T20 World Cup. However, this player impressed all with his fine knock of 94* against the Englishmen in the all-important game.
The player has anyways been in fine form in recent months and does deserve a chance in the IPL. He was close to joining Rajasthan Royals, but the move did not materialize. However, having shown his class against quality bowlers, a few franchises might target him.
2) Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Games: 6 || Runs: 185 || Strike Rate: 146.83 || Wickets: 0
Mitchell Marsh is one of the performers of the 2021 T20 World Cup who could get a big IPL contract. The Aussie had a roller-coaster tournament. He initially failed to get going and was also sidelined for a game. However, he brought out his ‘A’ game in the knockouts and helped his team lift the trophy.
Although Marsh has been part of IPL before, he has not had a consistent run. Sometimes, he has had to pull out due to injuries. The same happened before IPL 2021. However, his stocks have risen, and he could be in for a big pay-cheque in the coming campaigns. In Marsh, a team can get a solid top-order player who is also more than a useful medium-pacer. Hence, many teams are likely to line up for him.
3) Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
Games: 6 || Runs: 231 || Average: 46.20 || Strike Rate: 147.13
Barring the first game against the Netherlands, Charith Asalanka did well in all the remaining games at the T20 World Cup. He even scored an 80* against the Bangladesh team that had a few experienced bowlers.
In his short career so far, Asalanka has shown that he has a bright future in the game. He is a middle-order batsman and can be a good backup for the established cricketers. Therefore, a few IPL franchises could try signing him.
4) David Wiese (Namibia)
Games: 8 || Runs: 227 || Strike Rate: 127.53 || Wickets: 6
David Wiese may be 36-years-old, but his attributes make him a suitable player for a competition like the IPL. Hence, despite his age, a few teams might go after his experience and current form.
The Namibian cricketer did well in both departments of the game at the T20 WC. He batted well against tough opposition and also took a few important wickets. Having played in the IPL before, he might just receive an opportunity to make a comeback.
5) Dwaine Pretorius (South Africa)
Games: 5 || Wickets: 9 || Economy: 6.89
Dwaine Pretorius is also one of the performers of the 2021 T20 World Cup who could get a big IPL contract. He took up the role of a death bowler and did quite well for the Proteas. Pretorius is also a big-hitter and enjoys a strike rate of over 160 in his career so far.
Franchises would love a foreign pacer who can bowl at the death and also strike a few big hits out of the park. Yes, the sample size to judge Pretorius is low, but he showed the necessary skills at the highest level. This could help him earn an IPL contract for 2022.
