IPL Auction 2019: 3 Standout performers from Mzansi Super League 2018 who could bag an IPL contract

Ever since the rainbow nation hosted the Indian Premier League (IPL) back in 2009, Cricket South Africa (CSA) had started dreaming of starting their own T20 league. It took them nearly seven years to lay down a blueprint for such league. However, the sudden departure of CSA’s then CEO, Haroon Lorgat, completely changed the entire landscape of Cricket South Africa. Due to financial reasons, the tournament named as T20 Global League was postponed to 2018.

In a bizarre turnaround of things, CSA replaced their much-awaited dream T20 project with another model called Mzansi Super League (MSL) for the year 2018. Six franchise based teams took part in the inaugural edition. Jozi Stars, based on Johannesburg, emerged as the ‘Champions’ of the inaugural edition of MSL.

With less than 24 hours for the auction, let us look at three standout performers from MSL 2018 who could bag an IPL contract this year.

#3 Lutho Sipamla (South Africa)

Sipamla took 16 wickets in 10 games in MSL 2018

Lutho Sipamla, the South African fast bowler, is very naïve to the T20 setup. The 20-year old made his first-class debut for Eastern Province only a year ago. Though he had played just a handful amount of games before MSL, he grabbed the opportunities presented to him in MSL with both the hands.

Representing Tshwane Spartans, he had taken 16 wickets in 10 games. He, along with Jeevan Mendis, was the leading wicket-taker for his franchise and both finished second in the bowler's chart at the end of the tournament.

With the IPL 2019 dates clashing with the general election in India, there are high chances of IPL 2019 being moved outside India. As in 2009, South Africa is currently the favorite to host a yet another edition of IPL. Hence, Sipamla’s brilliant performance in these conditions will give him a considerable advantage over other shortlisted pace bowlers in the auction. Besides, a base price of INR 20 Lakhs can bring wonders for him in the upcoming auction.

#2 Reeza Hendricks (South Africa)

Hendricks is the only player in the tournament to score two centuries

Hendricks came into the limelight when he scored a century in his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in this August. With that knock, he became one among the regulars in the Proteas ODI setup. His knock at Kandy gave a glimpse of his striking ability as he reached his century in just 88 balls.

Hendricks had an excellent MSL 2018 as he finished second in the batting chart along with Quinton de Kock. He scored 412 runs from nine innings with a superb strike rate of 142.56. Besides, he is the only player in the tournament to score two centuries along with two 50+ scores.

Hendricks can be a perfect fit for Sunrisers Hyderabad who is looking for a partner for David Warner at the top of the order. An explosive left-right combination at the top will give a definite advantage for SRH over other teams. With the base price of INR 50 Lakhs, Hendricks will be a steal buy for any franchise.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the latest IPL 2019 Auction news, updates, probable playing XI, fantasy tips and stats.

#1 Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)

Rassie van der Dussen had a stellar MSL 2018

Rassie van der Dussen is one among the emerging talents in the T20 circuit. Before MSL, he had an excellent Global T20 Canada 2018 campaign. He scored 255 runs in eight innings and finished second in the batters chart at the end of the tournament.

Riding on some excellent form, he made his International debut for South Africa in the recently concluded T20I series against Zimbabwe. He cracked a half-century in his debut by scoring 56 runs from 44 balls.

Then, he had a stellar MSL campaign with Jozi Stars, as he topped the batting chart with 469 runs in 11 innings. He had four 50+ scores against his name with a decent strike rate of 138.75. Even in the final, he scored a half-century and guided his team to the finishing line by staying unbeaten at one end.

With the base price of INR 50 Lakhs, it will not be a massive surprise if he is sold for more than his base price.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the latest IPL 2019 Auction news, updates, probable playing XI, fantasy tips and stats.