5 international players who could be bargain buys

The IPL 2019 auction is slated to happen on the 18th of December at Jaipur. 1003 players have registered for the mega event out of which are 200 capped and 800 uncapped cricketers. Out of the 70 slots up for grabs, 50 of them are Indian cricketers while 20 of them are overseas.

This auction will witness the inclusion of cricketers from nine different states including Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Puducherry for the first time.

Australia's star cricketers' Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell have also opted out of the IPL Auction. Bangladesh's death-over specialist Mustafizur Rahman also won't be a part of the upcoming as Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to offer him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the tournament.

The withdrawal of several T20 stars from the auction could enforce the franchises to look at cheaper options. Here, we take a look at those International cricketers who could be bargain buys at the IPL Auction.

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#5 Ben Wheeler

New Zealand v South Africa - 1st T20

Ben Wheeler, the New Zealand bowler is one of the most underrated and unknown cricketers in the world. The 27-year-old has played 12 games for his country and has taken 15 wickets and scored 95 runs.

Ben Wheeler is one of the most consistent bowlers and has the ability to bowl over 140 kph regularly. He can be very effective in the Indian pitches with his swingers and bouncers. He is also a more than worthy batsman and a reliable fielder.

Ben Wheeler went unsold in the 2018 IPL Auction at his base price of 50 lakhs. However, this season, the franchises should look to rope in Ben Wheeler who can turn the tables with his left-arm bowling abilities.

#4 Lasith Malinga

Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - IPL T20

Lasith Malinga, the highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL has shown tremendous form upon his comeback to the Sri Lankan team. He has justified his place in the squad as he scalped a five-for against a formidable batting line-up of England in the recently concluded ODI series.

Malinga surprisingly found no bidders in the last auction. He has registered himself in the maximum base price list alongside nine other players in this year's auction. Malinga can be a batsman's nightmare when he is at his best. His lethal yorkers and leg-cutters have worked wonders for Mumbai Indians in the past.

He has more than 150 wickets to his name from just 110 matches at a brilliant economy rate of 6.87. Despite being 35, and teams adopting a relatively younger squad, Malinga might prove to be a bargain buy owing to his experience at the highest level and his effectiveness with the new ball.

#3 Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain is one of the most prominent names in T20 leagues across the world. He was released from the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in the trade window ahead of the IPL 2019 Auction.

Brendon McCullum is one of the most feared openers of all-time and can take charge from the very first ball of the innings. He can clear the ropes at will and can provide quick starts at the top of the order. His magnificent knock of 158* in the inaugural match of IPL still remains the greatest of all time.

He has an excellent record in IPL and has scored 2881 runs at an average of 27.70 from the 109 matches he has played. He has listed himself in the maximum base price list (2 crores). Brendon McCullum could prove to be worth every single penny as he is also an energetic fielder who offers valuable leadership skills.

#2 Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh, the Orange Cup winner in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League is clearly one of the greatest players to have played for Kings XI Punjab. However, Shaun Marsh's dismal season in the 2017 IPL season made him find no takers in the 2018 auction.

Shaun Marsh is a consistent cricketer who can play the role of an opener as well as a middle-order batsman. He can build good partnerships in the middle overs and takes very little time to settle at the crease.

He has been in good form of late and has scored 2477 runs at a terrific average of 39.95 in 71 IPL matches. Added to that, he has a century and 20 fifties to his name in the IPL. The southpaw could be a vital cog for any franchise and teams could acquire him for less than 5 crores.

#1 Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn, the South African speedster is currently having the best form of his life. He has redeemed himself back in the international circuit with several spell-bounding performances for the Proteas. He was also the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.

After nursing several injuries for more than two years, he has impressed one and all with his bowling exploits. Steyn can be a valuable addition to any IPL franchise as he is a proven performer with the ball in the death overs.

In the 90 matches he has played in the IPL, he has taken 92 wickets at a jaw-dropping economy of 6.72. He found no bidders in the last auction as he was nursing an injury.

With the form he is in currently, Steyn's participation in the IPL could be a surety. Teams lacking bowling-depth could undoubtedly acquire Dale Steyn at a very cheap rate.