IPL 2018: 5 big names who might go unsold

The IPL frenzy is slowly gripping, not only the cricketing world but also the different franchises, who are leaving no stone unturned to get the best players in their corner.

With the retentions done and dusted, the focus now shifts to the auction day when the rest of the squads will take shape. How the teams use their right to match card will also be an interesting watch.

However, as has always been the case, there are bound to be few surprises in the auctions and hence we take a look at five big names who might not find any buyers in the upcoming auctions.

#5 Eoin Morgan

The England captain for the limited overs version has never quite set the IPL stage on fire and his form in the shortest format is also very erratic owing to which the franchises could give him a miss.

The fact that he walks in the middle order and more often than not has to finish off the innings, might also work against him since there are plenty of other options available which seem to be more lucrative.

In 52 matches in the IPL, Morgan has scored 854 runs at an average of 21.35 and with a strike rate of 121.13. These numbers are underwhelming and hence Morgan might go unsold.

#4 Angelo Mathews

The newly-appointed captain for Sri Lanka for the limited overs format might face disappointment in the upcoming auctions.

The fact that he has more or less played in all the seasons of the IPL without making any significant splash could act against him. Also, he is very injury prone which might convince the franchises not to splurge money on him.

Apart from the aforementioned reasons, Mathews generally takes time before get going and time is at a premium in T20, more so in the IPL.

His IPL numbers: 49 matches for just 724 runs at an average of 23.35 and strike rate of 125.91.

#3 Dale Steyn

Probably the best fast bowler of this generation, South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is in the midst of a terrible run.

His injury concerns have plagued him and have taken control of his career, so much so, that he is struggling to stay on the field for even one day.

After making a comeback to the national team for the India series, Steyn suffered a bruised heel on the second day and was subsequently ruled out of the series.

Hence, the franchises might not want to invest in the quick as his perennial injury concerns might impede their own progress in the league.

Steyn's IPL numbers: 90 matches for 92 wickets at an average of 25 and an economy rate of 6.72.

#2 Ishant Sharma

India's Test regular Ishant Sharma has dropped out of contention for the national team in coloured clothing and he might once again be disappointed with the IPL auctions since the IPL franchises might not rope him in.

Back in 2017, he was purchased by Kings XI Punjab as a replacement for Murali Vijay when he was unsold in the auctions.

This year might not be too different for the lanky pacer as the franchises generally prefer bowlers with more skills and variations suited the shortest format.

His IPL numbers: 76 matches for 59 wickets with an economy rate of 8.17.

#1 Lasith Malinga

Not very long ago, the Sri Lankan was the best bowler going around in T20 cricket, but his form and potency have slipped away quite drastically.

Mumbai Indians did not retain him for the first time and almost symbolically he might not find any takers in the upcoming auctions.

He was also sidelined from Sri Lanka's limited-overs teams in the recently concluded series against India.

His fitness remains a concern and the fact that he is not playing any competitive cricket for a long time might work against him.

Malinga's IPL numbers: 110 matches for 154 wickets at an average of 19.01 and with an economy of 6.86.