IPL 2018 Auction: 5 players who can lead their side

The anticipated auction of the Indian Premier League is only a week away and the build-up to it has been exceptional.

The retention event was a success, with the fans having their eyes set on the eight franchises. The return of fan-favourite teams the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals has brought some joy to the fans of both sides.

The auction is the most interesting phase before the start of the tournament and this time around it will be no different. Teams will be looking to rebuild themselves after retaining a maximum of three players. Here, we take look at five players who can lead their side in the Indian Premier League.

#5 Faf Du Plessis (South Africa)

South African Captain Faf Du Plessis is a fine leader for his national side. He has given the best possible results for South Africa since he became the skipper, but has never led a side in the Indian Premier League because he has been in the shadow of Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni. Franchises might look towards the right-handed batsman and want him as the captain of their side. His exploits as a leader can help teams like Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, especially given both the teams have lacked a decent leader throughout the years.

#4 Ajinkya Rahane (India)

Calm, confident and cool-headed are the adjectives that describe Ajinkya Rahane. Rajasthan Royals fans were bemued when the franchise decided to let go of him before the auction. Rahane is a potential contender for the captaincy of any franchise.

Earlier in 2017, Rahane led Team India to a Test victory against Australia. Rahane is the vice-captain of the Indian Test side and has the mindset required to become a successful skipper. His former franchise Rajasthan Royals will be led by Australian skipper Steven Smith but other franchises will be willing to try Rahane as the skipper.

An added responsibility may bring the best out of the opener.

#3 Shane Watson (Australia)

There is uncertainty over the inclusion of all-rounder Shane Watson. Considering his age and his form in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League franchises might not bid for him. Shane Watson has played all the ten editions of the IPL and has led Rajasthan Royals in the past.

The thirty-six-year-old is currently leading the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, and Watson's recent form in the BBL may give him some hope of getting picked in the auction. Amidst this, franchises will look towards Watson to take up the captaincy role. The leadership role brings the best out of the all-rounder and his experience can be valuable for other players around him.

#2 Eoin Morgan (England)

England's limited overs skipper Eoin Morgan has had a disastrous IPL career till now. He averages only 21.35 with the bat in 52 games that he has played.

Morgan has led England in 70 one day internationals, winning 41 of them. He has been crucial to England's success in the last few years. He has led the team from the front and has managed to produce wonderful results.

Morgan's IPL career has always followed the same path of a downfall but the captaincy role might affect his batting in a positive way. The 31-year-old tackles spin really well and can be effective in the middle overs. He will be on the radar of the franchises both as a batsman and as a captain.

#1 Gautam Gambhir (India)

One of the most successful captains in the Indian Premier League Gautam Gambhir was let go by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Gambhir is an influential leader who helped the Knights to clinch two titles in three years. The opener led the Delhi Daredevils to the semifinals in two consecutive editions of the tournament.

The 36-year-old is the best available skipper for the franchises, his aggression on the ground and his inputs off the field may help the youngsters to bring their 'A' game to the table.

The Delhi Daredevils might look to bring Gambhir back into their lineup. Before the retention event, Gambhir expressed his wish to play for his former franchise.