IPL 2018: Five overseas players who deserved contracts

1. Joe Root

"Fab Four" member Joe Root was arguably the biggest shock of all

Perhaps the greatest shock of the IPL Auction was Englishman Joe Root going unsold. England's Test captain attracted lots of attention from the media when he put his name forward, but it ultimately came to nothing as no side made a bid for him. Root's credentials are virtually unrivalled, boasting a T20I average of close to 40 and an ODI average of over 50. More specifically, Root seems to thrive in T20s in India. In the 2016 T20 World Cup, held in India, Root hit 249 runs in six matches. This was at an average of close to 50 and at an aggressive strike rate of 146. More recently, when England toured India last year, Root hit 126 runs in the three T20Is, ending with an average of 63.

He has the talent. He has the experience in the subcontinent. He is a leader. Despite all of this, Root will not be playing in the 2018 IPL. However, looking ahead to the future, Root will no doubt be pushing for a contract again next year.