5 CSK-RR players who will be in big demand during IPL auction 2016

The Indian Premier League (IPL) draft for the two new franchises, Pune and Rajkot took place in Mumbai earlier today and saw both franchises spend their allotment of Rs. 39 crore to buy five players for next year's IPL from a pool of 50.MS Dhoni was Pune's first pick, but there were also a few surprises during the draft. Although both franchises have another chance spending the remaining amount from their cap of Rs. 66 crore in February's main auction, along with the other six teams, some big names from both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals missed out. Here’s a look at 5 players from CSK and RR, who will be in big demand during the IPL auction in Bangalore in two months time.

#5 Sanju Samson

Samson has already represented India in T20Is

Although he didn't have a noteworthy season in 2015, the youngster from Kerala only turned 21 last month and still has his best years ahead of him. While both franchises did the right thing in not going all out to sign the wicketkeeper batsman because of the cost involved, you can be sure that he will be hot property come the auction.

It is not just his youthful exuberance, but also his ability to bat at the top of the order and provide explosive starts that make him a valuable asset to the side. Given wicketkeepers are primarily required to bat well in the shortest format of the game, Samson fulfills the criteria perfectly.

Given the amount of money young Indian players, especially batsmen go for, don't be surprised if he is among the top of the highest-paid players in February's auction.

#4 Ashish Nehra

Nehra is just 11 shy of breaking the 100-wicket milestone in IPL

Only five bowlers have managed to take over 100 wickets in the history of the IPL and on the back of a fantastic season in which he picked 22 wickets at an economy rate of 7.2, Ashish Nehra will be hoping to cross the landmark in IPL 2016.

For that to happen, he first needs a team. Although it wasn't particularly surprising that the left arm fast bowler wasn't among the top five picks for both Pune and Rajkot, the undeniable truth is that every team needs a good death bowler, who can bowl accurate yorkers and slower balls.

While he might 36, Nehra is one of the few Indian fast bowlers who can still do that. And so, it should come as no surprise if he is snapped up by a side, desperately needing a spearhead to lead the attack.

#3 Mike Hussey

Like a fine wine, Hussey is only getting better with age

Nicknamed Mr. Cricket, Mike Hussey is the ideal player to have at the top of the order in the shortest format of the game. While his play is mostly based on skill and finesse rather than raw power, the Australian has shown time and again that he can clear the boundary at will, if he wants.

Despite being retired from international cricket for some time now, Hussey's reflexes haven't waned a bit. He is still as sprightly as ever and not is he a consistent performer as an opener, he is also electric in the field, even at the age of 40.

Just 23 runs shy of 2,000 IPL runs, the Australian's average of almost 40 in the tournament is the fifth-best among all players who have played at least 50 matches. So don't be surprised if the 40-year-old goes big in February's Auction

#2 Dwayne Smith

Dwayne Smith is closing in on 2,000 IPL runs

While his opening partner from CSK was snapped up by the Rajkot franchise, Dwayne Smith was left behind by both franchises. The West Indian opener, who has played over 200 T20 matches is a veteran of the format and is one who is likely to have plenty of suitors by the time the auction comes around.

Every side needs a player that can give them an explosive start and Dwayne Smith is just that kind of player. In 67 IPL matches, Smith has scored more than 1,800 runs at an average of almost 30 and a strike rate above 130.

While he might not have made the cut in the draft, you can be sure that he will go big in the auction thanks to his impressive record.

#1 Shane Watson

Watson is RR’s leading run-scorer in IPL

Arguably the biggest surprise from the draft was the omission of Shane Watson by both franchises.The Australian all-rounder, who is currently retired from Australia's Test side is arguably one of the finest all-rounders in the history of the Indian Premier League.

The stats back him up, not only is he the only player to have the player of the tournament award twice, he has also scored over 2,000 runs and picked up 61 wickets in just 78 matches. His batting average of 36 and strike rate of over 140, combined with his economy rate of under 7.5, make him a valuable asset for any side.

While his poor form might have kept him out of the minds of the Pune and Rajkot franchise, you can rest assured that the same will not be the case, when the auctions begins.