Top 5 overseas players who could fetch big money at the 2016 IPL auctions

With the IPL auctions taking place on February 6, 2015, 351 players are expected to go under the hammer. Most of the teams would have their eyes on few key players of the suspended franchises- the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals- who were not selected in the draft by the two new franchises- Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions, as well as, on star players who were not retained by the other 6 franchises. The balance amounts of the eight franchises are as follows: Delhi Daredevils: Rs. 36.85 Cr; Sunrisers Hyderabad: Rs. 30.15 cr; Rising Pune SuperGiants: Rs. 27 cr; Gujarat Lions: Rs. 27 Cr; Kings XI Punjab: Rs. 23 Cr; Royal Challengers Bangalore: Rs. 21.62 Cr; Kolkata Knight Riders: Rs 17.95 Cr ; Mumbai Indians: Rs.14.40 Cr.Let us have a look on top 5 foreign players who could fetch really big at upcoming IPL Auctions 2016.

#1 Shane Watson

Shane Watson For Rajasthan Royals

Previous team: Rajasthan Royals

Base Price at IPL auction 2016: Rs. 2 Cr.

Shane Watson, who the Indian viewers are quite used to see in blue Rajasthan Royals jersey will be seen in a new avatar in IPL 2016. Having played for Rajasthan Royals for past 8 seasons, Watson established himself as their most valuable player by contributing with runs in the top order and getting the important wickets they needed at crucial junctures. With RR being suspended for 2 years, Watson wasn’t picked by any of the 2 new franchises in the IPL draft, and hence he will be under the hammer on 6th Feb.

His base price being set at 2 Crores, Watson is sure to get attention from many of the franchises who are in need of all rounders in their side. Delhi Daredevils, who have the highest purse would definitely consider adding Watson in their mix. Delhi who have been struggling every season might just need an impact player like Watson to turn things around. Other interests could be from RCB or SRH.

Watson has performed decently in the recently concluded Big Bash League scoring 235 runs in 10 games with an average of 23.50 and picking up 9 wickets.

Expected selling price: Rs. 5-6 Crs.

#2 Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pieterson Played For DD In IPL 2014

Previous team: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Base price at IPL auction 2016: Rs. 2 cr.

Kevin Pietersen, who was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL auctions 2015 was not retained by the franchise as Pietersen failed to play any match for them last season by giving his preference to English domestic side Surrey over IPL. Pieterson has entered IPL auctions 2016 with a base price of 2 crs. With no international commitments and no other league clashing with the IPL, Pietersen is expected to be available for the entire IPL 2016 season.

Pietersen, who plays T20 leagues around the world has been in the form of his life. In the 2015-16 Big Bash League, Pietersen scored 323 Runs in 9 games with an impressive average of 40.37. He also had a brilliant season with Sunfoil Dolphins in 2015 Ram Slam T20.

Franchises like Gujarat Lions would definately love to add Pietersen as a mainstay batsman in their squad as, currently, their 5 player team boasts of heavy all rounders like Dwayne Bravo, James Faulkner, and Ravindra Jadeja. Pietersen would surely provide solid stability at the top order.

Expected selling price: Rs. 7-8 Crs.

#3 Aaron Finch

Finch played for Mumbai Indians last season.

Previous team: Mumbai Indians

Base price at IPL auction 2016: Rs. 1 cr

Aaron Finch, who was picked up by Mumbai Indians in the IPL auctions 2015 failed to create impact for the franchise as he left the tournament very early due to a hamstring injury. MI decided to let go of Finch since they got their stable opening partnership last season from Lendl Simmons and Parthiv Patel, and hence, Finch will be up for grabs on 6th Feb at a base price of 1 crore.

Finch had an impressive Big Bash League 2015/16 for Melbourne Renegades scoring 246 runs in 5 matches at an average of 49.20.

Franchises like Kings XI Punjab, who just lost their destructive opener Virender Sehwag, would be looking for a replacement and a player like Finch would fit perfectly in that lineup opening the innings with Murali Vijay or Manan Vohra.

Expected selling price: Rs. 3-4 Cr.

#4 Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill is likely to steal show at IPL auction

Previous team: None

Base price at IPL auction 2016: Rs. 50 Lakhs

Martin Guptill, New Zealand’s top order batsman is all set to enter the IPL auction again, but this time with some great form and a string of brilliant innings behind him, which will make teams go all out for him at the auctions on February 6. Guptill has been unlucky in the past at the auctions after being unsold for 2 consecutive years, but the form he has shown in the past 1 year has been impressive and commendable.

Guptil had a brilliant run in the recent home series vs Pakistan scoring 42, 87*, 2 in 3 respective T20 International matches. Also, prior to Pakistan series, Guptil scored 121 runs in 2 T20I matches vs Sri Lanka. Guptill also has an impressive strike rate of 129.64 in 57 T20I.

New franchises like Gujarat Lions, who are in need of an opener should not think twice before bidding for Martin Guptil as he will provide stability at top order and will also switch gears when needed along with fellow Kiwi opener Brendon McCullum. Guptill could also prove to be a valuable asset as an opener to a team like Rising Pune Supergiants, forming an opening pair with Ajinkya Rahane. Overall, at a base price of 50 Lakhs, Martin Guptill is a sure shot bargain buy and is definately a name to watch out for at the auctions.

Expected selling price: Rs. 4-5 Cr.

#5 Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler is likely to make his IPL debut this season.

Previous team: None

Base price At IPL auction 2016: Rs. 1.5 cr

Jos Buttler who has been England’s finest destructive finisher in recent years has put up his name for IPL auctions this year. It comes as quite a surprise as only 7 England capped players have registered themselves for auctions. Buttler, who has an impressive 133.80 strike rate in T20I will be on many teams’ radar to get him in their squad. Buttler is expected to be available for the entire IPL 2016 season. Entire season availability should surely add some more dollars into his kitty.

It was reported Kolkata Knight Riders have shown interest in Buttler right from the start and are set to go all out for him. Buttler can also be a perfect fit in a team like Royal Challengers Bangalore who have recently lost the services of wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, and Buttler would fit the equation perfectly as wicketkeeper batsman.

Expected selling price: Rs. 7-8 Cr.