IPL Auction 2017 is just around the corner. While some sides already have a settled squad, needing only a few tweaks in order to do well in the upcoming edition of the IPL, others have to make wholesale changes after releasing plenty of players.
No matter what the scenario is for each side, there are certain players, who are certain to catch the eye and attract plenty of bids. With only four foreign slots in each side and most sides already having settled foreign players, the spotlight will be on the Indian talent on display. And it is fair to say that some of them will evoke a bidding war.
Here are five Indian players who could start a bidding war:
Irfan Pathan
Despite consistent performances in the domestic circuit, Irfan Pathan was barely given a chance last year at the Rising Pune Supergiants. So it was no surprise to see that he was one of the 11 players that were released. Pathan may be 32, but his ability to swing the ball and wield the willow is likely to make him a hot property during the upcoming auction.
Extra Cover: Irfan Pathan could be best suited for Royal Challengers Bangalore
Although most IPL sides have a few all-rounders in their side, not many have quality Indian ones and especially not someone who has won the World T20 and has played in over 150 T20 games, scoring over 1,500 runs and taking over 150 wickets.
The 32-year-old might have last played for India in October 2012 but his performances across all formats in the domestic circuit have shown that he has still got what it takes. That coupled with the fact that he is a quality Indian seam-bowling all-rounders, of which there aren't many is something that he has going for him.
Teams who would look to get him: Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad
Nathu Singh
Nathu Singh might have thought that his luck had finally turned when he was picked up by Mumbai Indians for 3.2 crores in last year's auction. But the fast bowler didn't get to play a single game and has since been released by the side. Still only 21, he is likely to be sought after once after impressive domestic performances for Rajasthan.
A fast bowler with an economy rate of under 6 in the T20 format is almost unheard of, especially in India. Although Nathu Singh is only 21 and has played only 13 T20 matches, he has already shown his quality that has led to praise from one of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time in Glenn McGrath.
Indian fast bowlers who are economical are so uncommon that it would be a huge surprise if a few teams don't show a lot of interest in securing his signature.
Teams who would look to get him: Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Daredevils
Pawan Negi
After being bought for 8.5 crore by the Delhi Daredevils in the 2016 IPL Auction, Pawan Negi couldn't have foreseen what followed. Having shot to fame from his time at Chennai Super Kings and seen as a handy all-rounder, Negi played just eight matches for Delhi, scoring just 57 runs and picking up a solitary wicket before being released.
But all is not lost for the pocket rocket, who couldn't quite live up to his huge price tag in last year's IPL. The 24-year-old left-arm spinner still has time on his side and the fact that he continues to be an economical option with the ball and an explosive option in the lower order with the bat means that he is still likely to find plenty of suitors in this auction.
The 24-year-old's unique combination of skills make him a vital asset for any side looking for that little bit extra that could get them the title. Even if he is unlikely to go for the same amount once again, he looks set to be sold well above his base price.
Teams who would look to get him: Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions
Karn Sharma
All is not lost for 29-year-old Indian leg spinner Karn Sharma, even if he was released from the reigning champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad. A proven track record, lack of quality leggies and the impact of Indian players is likely to mean that the 29-year-old is going to be sought after by most franchises.
Karn Sharma's record in the IPL is not something that might immediately make teams go for him. After all, 36 wickets in 47 matches while good is not enough to justify breaking the bank for a leg spinner who is 29.
However, the impact of leg spinners in T20s and coupled with the fact that apart from Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils, no other side has a first-choice Indian leg spinner means that Karn Sharma is likely to be a prospect. With the emphasis on wickets, the Indian leggie looks certain draw plenty of attention in the upcoming auction.
Teams who would look to get him: Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab
Thangarasu Natarajan
From playing tennis ball cricket in his hometown to being one of the success stories of the inaugural Tamil Nadu Premier League and being compared with Bangladesh pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman, Thangarasu Natarajan (Nattu) has certainly had an eventful career so far.
At just 25, Nattu has shown immense ability in executing his yorkers and has got off to a dream start to his maiden domestic season with Tamil Nadu. Bowling at the death is an art few have mastered but the 25-year-old left-arm pacer has already drawn parallels to Mustafizur owing to his action and ability to execute his yorkers and slower all
Extra Cover: The inspiring story of TNPL star T Natarajan
His impressive performances for the Dindigul Dragons in the inaugural Tamil Nadu Premier League where he picked up 10 wickets in seven matches at an economy of 7.3 and performance for TN in both the Ranji trophy and the ongoing Inter Zonal T20 tournament is sure to have caught the eye of a few IPL teams. So don't be surprised if Nattu becomes a household name after being brought for big money by an IPL side.
Teams who would look to get him: Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Daredevils
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