IPL Auction 2018: 5 players who are likely to go unsold

The Auction ahead of the 11th edition of the IPL is less than a week away and 578 players will go under the hammer as the eight teams look to build a squad that will help them claim the title.

Considering the fact that the maximum squad size is just 25 and there are just eight teams, more than 2/3rd of the players who are on the auction list will be without a side for the IPL. some more than others are unlikely to be among the list of players that are picked as teams look to have the right combination that will get them over the finish line.

While there will be some surprise picks, some bargain buys and some unknown players making big money moves, many are likely to go home emptyhanded. With that in mind, let us take a look at some star players who are likely to go unsold for a variety of reasons.

Here are 5 players who are likely to go unsold at IPL Auction 2018:

#1 Dale Steyn

Despite his incredible record in not just T20s but also in the IPL and in international cricket, Dale Steyn is likely to miss out on an IPL contract due to his fitness concerns. While a fully-fit Steyn has shown that he can still be lethal, he injured himself during the first Test against India and is only likely to regain full fitness a few weeks before the 11th edition of the IPL.

With that being the case, it seems unlikely that any team would be interested in securing his signature, especially with a base price of 1 crore. Signing a pacer who is just coming back from injury and who might get injured again makes little sense especially when you are spending so much and have to build an entire squad with the purse you have left.

While the South African pacer has 92 wickets in 90 IPL matches at an economy rate of 6.7, the fact that he has a terrible injury record in the last few years and there are plenty of other alternatives, who are not only cheaper but also younger, makes his chances of being picked highly unlikely.

#2 Steven Finn

Finn is only just recovering from his knee surgery

Another bowler whose injury and high base price is likely to result in him being unsold is England's Steven Finn. The tall fast bowler tore his left knee cartilage before the first Ashes Test and has since undergone knee surgery from which he is currently recovering.

The 28-year-old has been a regular member of the Test and ODI squads but hasn't played a T20I for England in over two years. Even his overall T20 numbers are far from impressive. With all this in mind, few teams would want to take the risk of going for a fast bowler who is still recovering from surgery and isn't renowned for his T20 exploits.

With a base price of 1.5 crore, Finn will certainly be a huge gamble for any side that opts to go for his signature. But given the plethora of options available, it looks very likely that he isn't among the England players who will take part in the IPL.

#3 Jason Holder

Jason Holder might be the West Indies captain in both Tests and ODIs but there is a very high chance that for the second year in a row, the all-rounder is among the players who are unsold.

With a base price of 1.5 crore, a player will have to command a place in the side as just a bowler or a batsman. Unfortunately for Holder, despite his impressive record in the longer formats, he hasn't been anywhere near as successful in the shortest format of the game. His high economy rate and average of just over 10 with the bat don't inspire a great deal of confidence.

A high base price and litany of options that are not only cheaper but also better with either bat or ball is likely to result in the West Indian all-rounder being disappointed for the second year in a row.

#4 Michael Klinger

Age and a high base price are likely to going against Klinger

One of the biggest success stories of the Perth Scorchers has been Michael Klinger, the 37-year-old Australian batsman has been a revelation for the defending and continues to be amongst the runs. With almost 5,000 T20 runs to his name at an average of almost 37, he has certainly been incredibly successful in the shortest format of the game.

Despite his experience and ability to score runs consistently, Klinger is likely to be amongst the players who go unsold due to his age and his base price. At 37, he isn't a long-term option for any franchise. With just four foreign players permitted per side, a solid opening batsman who is in twilight of his career is unlikely to be on the top of any side's wishlist.

Considering the fact that he went unsold despite having a base price of 50 lakh, it was a big surprise to see Klinger opt for a base price of 1.5 crore this time around. That increase is another reason why he is likely to be amongst the unsold player at IPL Auction 2018.

#5 Cameron White

White has prior IPL experience but his base price is likely to ward off any potential suitors

On the back of an exceptional BBL 07 that saw him average nearly 150 for the Melbourne Renegades, Cameron White made a comeback to the Australian ODI side after three years for the ongoing ODI series against England. While is an experienced campaigner, who has already featured in the IPL for three different teams, his base price is likely to ward off any potential suitors that he might have.

A player of White's experience can be invaluable in the middle-order but the question IPL sides will be asking themselves is whether he is worth the money that they will spend on him. With a base price of 2 crore, White is one of 36 players with the maximum base price of 2 crore.

With many more younger, explosive options in the middle-order who can afford more flexibility than White can at a cheaper base price, it looks likely that teams go away from picking him despite the many positives that the 34-year-old batsman does bring.