IPL Auction 2020: 5 new or released players who could get the highest bid

The IPL teams recently released a number of players from their squads, before the long-awaited auction, which is set to take place next month in Kolkata. Along with the released players, several new overseas and local players will be a part of the bidding war.

Last season, IPL auction had surprises as two Indian players jointly topped the list of most expensive buys, one of them was an uncapped player. Varun Chakraborty was bought by Kings XI Punjab for a whopping Rs 8.4 crore, while Rajasthan Royals bought Jaydev Unadkat for the same price tag. Incidentally, both of them were released by their respective franchises this year, after failing to meet expectations.

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Retaining some important players, the eight teams will be looking forward to adding more, and making huge bids for their primary targets at the auction. Let's take a look at five released or new players, who could get the highest bid at the IPL auction this year.

#5 Tom Banton

Tom Banton will be a top pick

Tom Banton will be in huge demand at the IPL auction, considering the form he has shown this year, especially in the shortest format of the game. Making his T20 International debut for England earlier this month, Banton could be playing the T20 World Cup next year. The right-handed batsman is certainly the breakout star of the year in English Cricket, and he could get a big contract in IPL next season.

Having represented Somerset in English Domestic Cricket, Banton played several big knocks, allowing him to grab eyeballs around the world. The 21-year has scored 647 runs in 20 T20 matches at an average of 35.94. In the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 league, Banton has been in a spectacular form, playing some big knocks. Representing Qalandars, Banton recently hit 80 runs off just 28 balls against Karnataka Tuskers. It will not be surprising if Banton turns out to be the most expensive player at IPL auction this season.

#4 Jason Roy

Roy

Jason Roy, the regular opener for England in limited-overs Cricket, could be the top pick in the next auction. The hard-hitting right-handed batsman is an exceptional player in the shortest format of the game, having the ability to score runs quickly. While he didn't play IPL last season, he is expected to be part of the cash-rich league this year.

Making his debut with the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2017, he didn't play many matches. Roy eventually played for the Delhi Daredevils, but his performance was subpar. The English batsman has scored a total of 179 runs in 8 games at an average of 29.83. Given his track record with England, he is a game-changer, and he will be looking to replicate the same form in the IPL next season. Roy was instrumental to England's victory in the World Cup last summer.

#3 Andrew Tye

Tye won Purple Cap

Known as a T20 specialist bowler, all eyes will be on Andrew Tye at the IPL auction, and he is one of the few bowlers, who has a possibility of securing a mammoth bid. When Kings XI Punjab released Tye for the upcoming season, it shocked fans all over, as he was their main strike bowler, winning the Purple Cap in 2018.

Before his stint with Kings XI Punjab, Tye was part of Chennai Supers Kings and Gujrat Lions. With his different variations, the Australian is capable of troubling any batsman, and he is a handy option in the death overs. The 32-year old has taken a total of 39 wickets in 26 IPL matches and has a bowling average of 21.07.

#2 Chris Lynn

Lynn

Kolkata Knight Riders surprised everyone by releasing Chris Lynn, who was one of their primary batsmen. Lynn is known as a T20 specialist, who could butcher any bowling line-up on his day with his ability to clear the fence. The Australian opener could be a huge asset for any team, proficient of altering the course of a game single-handedly.

Earning his name in BBL, Lynn didn't wait long to get a huge IPL contract. Lynn has played 41 IPL matches and scored 1280 runs at an average of 33. Moreover, he has an astonishing strike rate of 140, but he is certainly capable of improving it. With the price tag of 9.6 Crore, Lynn was the most expensive player for KKR. Given his recent batting form in Abu Dhabi T10 League, he has the chance of getting a bigger bid than the previous one.

#1 Sam Curran

Curran

Sam Curran, the fast bowling English all-rounder, was another big release from Kings XI Punjab, and he should top the list of getting the highest bid at the upcoming auction. As a matter of fact, the youngster was the most expensive overseas player of the last auction, getting a bid of Rs 7.2 crore. After an impressive year in international Cricket, he is expected to be bought for a bigger price.

The left-arm pacer is a reliable bowler and a good batsman, capable of scoring big runs. The 21-year old played a total of 9 matches for the Punjab franchise and took 10 wickets. Also, Curran grabbed a hattrick against Delhi Capitals last season, becoming the youngest player to get a hattrick in IPL. With the bat, Curran scored 95 runs at an average of 23.75.