The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League finished in Dubai on a high note. The 14th IPL will be held in its scheduled window of April-May 2021 as confirmed by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. With the tournament just a few months away, the teams are keen on partial and wholesale changes of their respective squad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to reveal whether a mega-auction will take place next year. However, with the news that the cricket board can include two new IPL teams for the upcoming season, the chances of an IPL mega auction are extremely high.
If it happens, the auction can give a chance to teams to completely overhaul their respective squads. Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad can go through many changes. Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore look settled and they may stick to most of their respective squads.
In any case, the movements of expensive star players will surely spice up the tournament and will keep the IPL betting markets in high spirits. You can find the best cricket betting platform apps and their reviews here.
Here are 5 players who could be the most expensive signings at IPL mega auction:
Mitchell Starc
Starc is one of the fiercest bowlers in the world. However, he has often opted out himself of the IPL. He has played only for two IPL seasons, 2014 and 2015, for Bangalore. However, he underlined his importance with 34 wickets in 27 matches. Kolkata bought him for Rs 9.4 crore in 2018, but he couldn’t play due to an injury.
The Australian was ruled out of IPL 2020 with a focus on the 2021 T20 World Cup. Since the tournament has been postponed to 2022, Starc can easily be available for this IPL mega auction. He is returning to the Big Bash League after 2014-15 where he will play for Sidney Sixers.
It shows that he wants to get down to some serious T20 business this season. If he makes a similar comeback to IPL, he is most likely to be the costliest player on the roster.
Suryakumar Yadav
Mumbai Indians star batsman S Yadav is arguably the most consistent middle-order batsman in IPL at present. His 512, 424, and 480 runs in the last three IPL seasons speak volumes about his consistency. He was a key player in Mumbai’s journey to the fifth IPL title this year.
Mumbai should leave no stone unturned to retain him. However, they have to go to the auction with deep pockets as Suryakumar Yadav, an experienced player of 101 matches, will have top teams bidding high for him.
Kane Williamson
The New Zealand batsman is known for his game-changer explosive innings. His 735 runs as a captain in the 2018 season took Hyderabad to the title clash. He has completed five years with Hyderabad who have to release him this season.
A reliable opener and a middle-order batsman, Williamson can be the top choice for many teams. His 317 runs in 12 matches for Hyderabad this season makes him a strong contender for a high salary in the mega-auction.
Marcus Stoinis
Delhi bought this Australian all-rounder in the 2020 auction for Rs4.80 crore. He proved worth every penny as he scored 352 runs and took 13 wickets in 17 matches this season. Stoinis was the third-highest run-getter for Delhi after Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Shreyas Iyer. He was the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Delhi’s bowling department and featured in their all 17 matches.
He can play in the top, middle, or lower-middle order, and can be an effective bowler. With such a prolific all-around record at hand, teams will be eager to lay big money on him during the IPL mega auction.
You can check out our IPL prop betting guide and IPL futures betting guide for a better understanding of the many types of available IPL betting markets.
Suresh Raina
His absence in the 2020 IPL cost Chennai dearly. Since the team can go for a complete overhaul, Raina is likely to be up for grabs. Raina, the second-highest run-getter in IPL (5,368 runs), can be taken as a captain by a new team. If Chennai retains him, he can get a good price given his record and loyalty to the team. He has been with Chennai since the inaugural IPL in 2008, except for 2016 and 2017 seasons when he was with Gujarat Lions.
Come what may, his experience of 193 IPL matches holds him in good stead, and he will be one of the most sought-after Indian names during the auction.
