IPL Auction 2020: 3 teams that could target Tom Banton this year

The auction for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is just a few days away; it will take place on 19 December 2019 in Kolkata. All the eight teams will take part in the mega event with the intention of making the best use of their money. The fans would also be excited to see the bidding wars between the IPL franchises.

In the lead-up to the auction, the young Englishman Tom Banton has captured the attention of all the teams. He is playing for the Qalandars in the T10 league in Abu Dhabi right now, and is making heads turn with his big hitting.

The budding star will make his auction debut this year and based on his mind-boggling records for Somerset, he could earn a big contract.

Banton aggregated 549 runs in the Vitality T20 Blast this year. Apart from that, he even played a sparkling knock of 80 runs off just 28 balls at a strike-rate of 285.71 versus Karnataka Tuskers in the T10 League.

Also see – Ranji trophy points table

Here, we look at three IPL franchises that could target Banton at the upcoming auction.

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#3 Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians are the defending champions

Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in IPL history, with the 2019 title being their fourth in 12 seasons. The franchise led by Rohit Sharma has performed exceptionally well in the league, and features a lot of star names such as the Pandya brothers, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard and Quinton de Kock.

Mumbai Indians had expressed their interest in signing Banton before the trade window for IPL 2020 closed. The side released Evin Lewis on 15th November, which has all but confirmed that the Mukesh Ambani-owned franchise will go after Banton in the auction.

Banton would be the perfect replacement for Lewis, and MI would be hoping he can strengthen their batting lineup.

#2 Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab have released quite a few players before the auction

The Mohali-based franchise has been trying its level best to fulfill the dream of lifting theIPL trophy. Kings XI Punjab have released some big names ahead of the next edition; the team management has done away with seven players, with the biggest names being Sam Curran and David Miller. They have also traded R Ashwin to the Delhi Capitals in exchange for J Suchith and an additional amount of Rs. 1.5 crore.

The Kings XI need to work on their bench strength because they do not have enough reliable backup players. Punjab need a big name in the batting department who can help the team in posting sizable totals on the board.

Tom Banton is one such guy who can bolster Punjab’s batting department and give support to KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Karun Nair. Apart from that, he can also be a good choice for the wicket-keeper’s role because he possesses a good amount of keeping experience.

#1 Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings have released 6 players ahead of IPL 2020

Chennai Super Kings have always believed in retaining the core of the team. The side, which plays under the leadership of MS Dhoni, has released a mere six players ahead of the upcoming edition of the IPL.

CSK have released the fewest number of players after Sunrisers Hyderabad. With INR 14.6 Cr. left in their purse, the Yellow Army would like to go after a big player in the auction.

Chennai should look to sign an upcoming talent on 19 December, because a lot of their players are over 30 years old.

The Chennai team management had approached Somerset to inquire about Tom Banton’s availability for the 13th edition of the IPL. Since they have shown an interest in acquiring Banton's services, they should try their best to get him on-board.

As Ambati Rayudu has been away from competitive cricket for the past few months, CSK can try the opening pair of Shane Watson and Banton. Both these batsmen play an aggressive brand of cricket, and could get the team off to flying starts on a regular basis.

Apart from that, Banton can also be the backup wicket-keeper for MS Dhoni.