By Kaushik Narayanan
With the IPL auctions lurking around the corner, the team managements must be busy formulating on how to spend their money, and more importantly, on whom. While the top-flight teams like Mumbai Indians and CSK have retained their core, the auction pool will not be without a star cast, nevertheless.
Let us look at some names who can put this year’s auction on fire:
MITCHELL JOHNSON
MI actually couldn’t retain this mercurial pacer, who has been in red-hot form for the Aussies. 37 wickets in 5 tests is no mean feat, and what’s more? He has proved himself in the sub-continent pitches too. The way he troubled Yuvraj and Raina with some ferocious short pitched deliveries will have definitely gained the attention of the owners. Though the chances of MI using their joker card on him, but it still remains doubtful whether he remains in the team’s strategy for the coming seasons.Irrespective of what Mumbai Indians have decided for him, Johnson is going to be a red-hot pick in this year’s auction.
DAVID WARNER
He is one of the most destructive openers in cricket today, and his consistency in the Ashes will be a huge positive for him. Surprisingly, he wasn’t retained by Delhi Daredevils, who have stated that they will build a new team. One has to wait and watch as to whether Delhi will use a Joker card on him, or will any other team will bag this talented player.
MIKE HUSSEY
Age is definitely not on his side, but “Mr Cricket” has been unstoppable even a year after his retirement. Surprisingly he wasn’t retained by Chennai. But they still have a Joker card up their sleeve, and it will be interesting whether they will use it on him, or Faf Du Plessis.
COREY ANDERSON
After coming into limelight by breaking Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record of the fastest ODI century, Corey Anderson can expect to play IPL definitely this year. His left arm pacers is definitely an asset, and I wonder whether any team will miss an opportunity to sign this talented all-rounder.
JACQUES KALLIS
His focus is definitely on the limited overs cricket now, and he would like to prove a point to his selectors. Though not as aggressive as the youngsters in this era, he still packs a punch with his classical cricketing shots and not to forget, consistent medium pacers. Though he is definitely at the end of his career, but he still has a couple of years left in him.
KEVIN PIETERSEN
He wasn’t looking in a great form during the Ashes, but, the whole world knows that he is still one of the most dominating batsmen this world has ever seen. Though the participation of English players in IPL is in doubt post the disastrous tour of Australia, but if he’s available, he will surely be one of the most wanted players in this year’s auction.
