IPL 2021: 5 players who could spark bidding wars

#3 S Sreesanth (IPL 2020: -)

Though still a bit of a risky bet, Sreesanth should spark excitement in the auction.

Infamously banned for his role in a spot-fixing incident in IPL 2013, S Sreesanth has worked behind the scenes to prepare for the ban being lifted. Fans were treated to seeing the Kerala pacer in action in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he delighted with a semblance of the bowler he was remembered to be.

Although his IPL record over the years is relatively modest - 40 wickets from 44 games, with not a lot to speak of after his first season - Sreesanth provides the aggression and outright pace that franchises could be interested in. Given the outspoken former India bowler's comments indicating his interest, one can expect Sreesanth to draw a lot of interest in the auction.

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#2 Steve Smith (IPL 2020 - RR)

Steve Smith is more than capable of dominating an IPL season with the bat.

Most of Steve Smith's IPL career has been with the Rajasthan Royals, with short stints for two different and now-defunct Pune franchises. Retained for a hefty fee in the 2018 mega-auctions, the Royals floundered under his leadership in the last few seasons, and hence he was let go of. While he sparkled with the bat, a run of low scores probably convinced the team that they could look elsewhere.

It remains to be seen whether the Royals will regret Smith's decision. Overcoming a poor IPL season and riding a stroke of luck, Smith roared back to form with brisk back-to-back centuries against India in the ODI series played recently. Smith has shown his ability to assert himself in all three formats, in addition to his value to the leadership group of any franchise, and IPL teams could see huge long-term value in Smith.

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#1 Glenn Maxwell (IPL 2020: KXIP)

Once again, Glenn Maxwell finds himself released for not living up to his price tag.

Glenn Maxwell and Yuvraj Singh have a similar relationship with the IPL. Aside from both making it big for the same franchise - the Kings XI Punjab - both have had a love-hate relationship with the cash-rich league. Like the former Indian all-rounder, Maxwell too has a huge ability to change the game, but has struggled to fire, enduring his worst ever IPL season in 2020.

While KXIP could be lambasted for breaking the bank for Maxwell once again, the decision makes sense given team balance considerations. Maxwell showed his hitting form in the ODI series against India, and remains a big draw in international cricket - one can trust IPL franchises to hope against hope that 2021 is his return to form in the league.