IPL Auction 2020: 3 unsold players from last year likely to get big bids

The next edition of the Indian Premier League is less than 6 months away and each franchise has already started its preparations. Players' auction for the upcoming edition will take place on the 19th of December in Kolkata.

Before the auctions, each franchise has until 14th November to give out a list of the traded, released and retained players from their squad.

The IPL auctions provide the teams with the chance to remove all the loopholes from their team. The auctions are not just an opportunity for the teams, but it is a career-changing opportunity for the players present in the auction pool too. The auction pool comprises of the released players as well as the last edition's unsold players.

Many players who went unsold last year have made a new and better reputation for themselves in the cricketing world. World Cup performances of many unsold players have not gone unnoticed. The teams might look at last year's unsold players as a valuable addition to their team for the upcoming season.

Here is a list of top 3 unsold players from last year who are likely to get big bids this time around.

Also see – Mushtaq Ali Trophy points table

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#3 Jason Holder

Jason Holder is a very capable all-rounder, who is equally good with the ball and the bat in his hands. He showed his quality recently when he took his CPL team, Barbados Tridents to their second Caribbean Premier League title. Holder can play according to the situation of the match. He can bat in the middle order as well as lower down the order in the team. With the ball, Holder is equally capable. He can open the bowling for the team and swing it both ways. He is a genuine wicket-taker who can bowl in the middle overs too and cause problems through his extra bounce.

A team like Mumbai Indians will enjoy having Jason Holder in their ranks, especially with the Wankhede pitch assisting the seamers more than the spinners. Jason Holder can be very handy for a team like RCB too, who desperately requires a quality all-rounder in their squad.

Jason Holder's quality and experience can make him one of the biggest buys of the upcoming auctions.

#2 James Neesham

Jimmy Neesham in action

James Neesham was a revelation for New-Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. The all-rounder took 15 wickets and scored 258 runs in just 10 World Cup games. He showed his big-hitting abilities throughout the tournament. An all-rounder package like Neesham can be very handy for several IPL teams. Kolkata Knight Riders can buy Neesham as a replacement for Carlos Brathwaite, who failed to perform for KKR in IPL 2019.

Neesham has previously played for the Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. However, serious injuries hampered Neesham's career for a long time and the player was not considered by any IPL team due to his lack of playing time on the field.

This time around, Jimmy Neesham could be one of the most popular choices in the auctions and we might see a lot of competition for the Kiwi all-rounder

#1 Chris Woakes

'Woakes can attract very big bids in the upcoming auctions

Chris Woakes was one of the biggest reasons behind England winning the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Woakes was deadly with the new ball in his hands and delivered for England in almost every game. He took 16 wickets in 11 matches for England in the World Cup.

Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders will be desperate for a bowler who can take wickets upfront. Woakes has the ability to bat very well as well. Over the years, the Englishman has played several cameos with the bat for England. Woakes is a quality fielder too who can field in the slips cordon as well as at deep catching positions.

A player like Woakes can be very valuable for any team in the world. It will not be a surprise if we see many IPL teams fighting for Woakes' signature in the upcoming auctions.