IPL 2020: 3 teams that could target Eoin Morgan in the auction

The BCCI has decided to conduct the IPL 2020 player auction on 19 December 2019 in Kolkata. The trade window is stilopen, with a deadline of 15 November 2019 set by the IPL.

With a new season on the horizon, every franchise would aim to reinforce their squad. The team managements would look for match-winners in the auction, and try to get as many quality players as possible within the available budget.

Being a World Cup-winning captain, Eoin Morgan could entice some of the franchises for a bidding war. The southpaw led his team from the front in the 2019 World Cup, and was also the leading six-hitter of the tournament with 22 sixes in 10 innings. In the match against Afghanistan, Morgan created history by hitting the most sixes (17) in an ODI match.

The IPL teams were not interested in Morgan during the previous auction; nobody targeted the left-hander when his name popped out. However, the case could be different this time. Here is a look at three teams that are likely to target Morgan this year:

---

#3 Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

The Delhi Capitals would be looking for a left-handed overseas batsman for the upcoming season. That need arises because of the mediocre performance of the team’s overseas left-handers in the previous season.

Both Colin Munro and Colin Ingram didn’t do particularly well in IPL 2019. The management could be lenient on Munro as they used him scarcely, but Ingram received 12 matches and scored just 184 runs. Therefore, DC would hesitate to spend ₹6.4 crore on the South African batter for yet another season.

Morgan looks like an upgrade to the Proteas southpaw. Like Ingram, Morgan is also an aggressive left-hander in the middle order. But as a World Cup-winning captain, Morgan’s presence would be more motivating than Ingram's for the young Delhi players.

Delhi reached the IPL 2019 qualifier but failed to proceed further as the experienced Chennai Super Kings outsmarted them. If history repeats itself and Delhi are to reach the playoffs again, then having Morgan could be a game-changer.

Also see – World Test Championship Schedule

#2 Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

Kings XI Punjab could target Eoin Morgan in the auction as they need a strong middle-order batsman.

During the previous season their batting unit heavily depended on the star-studded top order comprising Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, and KL Rahul. The players in the middle order, however, failed to make an impact with the bat.

David Miller is one of their best players, but his performances were rather underwhelming last season. Therefore, it might be a good idea to consider an explosive performer like Morgan.

Using his World Cup experience, Morgan could shepherd the lineup and get them across the finish line. The Indian lower middle-order batsmen would gain valuable insights while batting with him. Plus, the young Sam Curran would be happy to do battle with England's national hero by his side.

Apart from all these reasons, Morgan would be a helpful mentor to the KXIP skipper Ravichandran Ashwin in crucial situations. If the need arises midway through the season, the management would even have an option to make Morgan the captain.

#1 Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

Kolkata Knight Riders already have a decent middle-order comprising of Dinesh Karthik, Nitish Rana and Andre Russell. The addition of Eoin Morgan would add further potency to their strong suit.

Chris Lynn as an opener, Morgan in the middle order and Russell as the finisher looks like a dream overseas batting combination.

Furthermore, Morgan is a big admirer of Kolkata's newly appointed batting coach Brendon McCullum. It was the New Zealander's style of captaincy that inspired Morgan to turn things around for the England cricket team after a disastrous World Cup in 2015.

There seemed to be a few misunderstandings between some KKR players during the previous season. At one point Karthik even lost his cool on the pitch and reprimanded his teammates in full public display.

Having renowned voices like McCullum and Morgan in the setup would help calm the atmosphere down. They are composed individuals who know how to approach tense situations positively, and their contagious professionalism could spark a new attitude in the players.