IPL 2018: 5 iconic players who are no longer big attractions

The much-awaited auction of the Indian Premier League is around the corner. 1122 players have registered for the auction which will be held on 27 and 28 January at Bangalore. The most expensive player to be sold at the auction is Yuvraj Singh who was bought by the Delhi Daredevils for INR 16 crores in 2015.

There are a few players who have been brilliant in the IPL throughout the years but this year is different for them. Let us take a look at five iconic players who are not expected to go for a big amount in this year's auction.

#5 Yusuf Pathan

One of the most successful players in the Indian Premier League, Yusuf Pathan is one all-rounder who has lit up the IPL. Pathan represented the Rajasthan Royals in the first two editions of the IPL and never looked back since.

The first edition of the league helped Pathan make an impression, his performance in the league earned him a national call-up. The times have changed for the hard-hitting batsman, and his recent performances in domestic cricket haven't helped his cause. Currently, the 35-year-old is facing a suspension due to the use of illegal substances.

#4 Harbhajan Singh

Punjab off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is one of only a handful of players to have represented only one franchise in the IPL till date. The experienced off-spinner has picked up 127 wickets at an average of 26.54 in the ten editions of the IPL for the Mumbai Indians.

His recent performances in the zonal T20 tournament have been average, having taken only five wickets, but his confidence will be high after leading Punjab into the super league stage. Harbhajan will be hopeful of getting picked though he will want to get back to his Mumbai Indians family.

However, with his dwindling abilities, he is unlikely to fetch a massive amount.

#3 Lasith Malinga

Malinga was the spearhead of the Mumbai Indians attack in the early seasons of the IPL. His ability to surprise the batsmen with deadly yorkers has vanished with age though.

A few teams might be willing to bid for the death-bowling specialist, but his role is expected to change according to the team setup. Malinga has set his base price at INR 1 crore in the auction but only time will tell if he is truly worth that much.

#2 Shane Watson

One of the most valued all-rounders in world cricket, Shane Watson is currently captaining the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. Watson last played for Australia in 2016, and his form has taken quite a beating since then.

Watson was procured by RCB for INR 9.5 crores, but his form in the previous edition was horrible, managing to score 71 runs in 8 games at an average of 11. His bowling has deteriorated in the last few years as well and he needs to step up his game in the BBL if he is to harbour hopes of being picked in the auction.

#1 Chris Gayle

The West Indies superstar is one of the most prominent players in the shortest version of the game. He managed to fetch $800,000 in the first edition of the league, but was unsold in the 2011 auction due to his poor form.

Later, he was picked by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The upcoming auction will be the first time since 2011 that Gayle will go under the hammer. Gayle's recent form has not been too great and therefore only a few franchises will be willing to bid for the 38-year-old.