IPL Auction 2020: Five Test specialists who could add value to any franchise

The countdown to the 2020 IPL has already begun with the deadline for the trading window officially ending on 14th November. The auction will be held in Kolkata on 19th December with a chunk of players hoping to make it to any franchise. While teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have released only a couple of players, RCB and DC have let go of a big chunk of players into the auction.

Basically, everyone is trying to find the right balance in the eleven along with the backups. With everyone going for big-hitters and death specialists, it is often the case that some quality batsmen and bowlers are ignored as they are categorized as ‘Test specialists’.

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But a player belonging to that category would definitely play a big role in steadying the ship when the team is in deep trouble because of the experience they carry. They might not be the most effective players in the team, but these players can up the ante whenever required. Let us take a look at those players who can add value to the team:

#5 Dean Elgar

Dean Elgar

One of the finest players of spin in recent times, Dean Elgar is yet to play in the Indian Premier League. Often branded as a longer format player, Elgar has time and again proved his effectiveness in the team. The left-handed batsman from Province is stylish and exquisite in his batting. He has a solid technique that helps him score runs all around the ground.

His record of carrying the bat twice in India in 2018 speaks a lot about his experience of playing on flat tracks. Despite all this, his experience in T20s is very limited. He was named in the squad for Tshwane Spartans in the 2019 Mzansi Super League. His inclusion in IPL could help his team build the foundation in the initial overs. He can accelerate at the right moment and can play big shots if required. Overall, Elgar rightly fits into that opener category for the coming IPL edition

#4 James Pattinson

James Pattinson

James Pattinson made an impression in the 2011 Boxing Day Test at the MCG where he rattled the Indian batting line-up, picking up 6 for 108. But injuries and bad patches came his way, and that left a big dent in his career. He, however, made occasional comebacks to the team in ODIs and T20s.

He has represented Australia in just 4 T20Is capturing 3 wickets at an economy of 8. He might not have the variations required for the shortest format but has the ability to bowl tight lines upfront with the new ball to cramp the batsmen. His ability to swing the ball can also be seen as an add on if the wicket has something in it. So, picking him could prove handy for any franchise in the IPL. He was part of the KKR in 2012 but never got to play a game. However, he could prove to be an asset for any franchise this time around.

#3 Vernon Philander

Vernon Philander

When Steyn started to fade away, it was Vernon Philander who started leading the pace attack in Tests. He is not the type of bowler who hits the deck hard, but the one that generates movement of the surface. Although he has played in Tests for most of his career, he has made occasional appearances in ODIs and T20Is as well.

He has been part of the T20I team in seven matches, in 2007, where he managed just four wickets but hasn’t got an opportunity since. After a long wait, he was part of Durban Heat in the first edition, and part of the Cape Town Blitz during the second edition of the Mzansi Super League.

The South African pacer's wicket-taking ability in the powerplay could be crucial, which is why he would add value to any franchise he plays for. With many teams requiring a quality pacer, Philander can be the go-to choice in this auction.

#2 Tim Paine

Tim Paine

Tim Paine was the young sensation from Australia in the mid-2000s. He had gained popularity across the continent for his performances at a very young age. But he had to wait until 2009 to make his international debut. The future Australian captain's career didn’t quite take off as expected due to inconsistencies and injuries but that didn’t hinder his confidence as he made a great comeback in 2017.

His career in T20s hasn’t been too impressive with just 12 matches under his belt and a few hundred runs. But the rejuvenated player that he is can play the cameo role in addition to his wicket-keeping. Having captained the Australian team, he also carries the leadership skills which might act as a huge plus point for him. Someone like Tim Paine can prove to be a useful addition to any team that he is a part of.

#1 Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara

Right from his U-19 days, Cheteshwar Pujara was known for his consistent performances across formats. Despite not playing gorgeous shots, he had the knack of disturbing the bowler’s rhythm. Even though his style and technique suits the longer format, he has had his share of T20s at the IPL level. He was part of the league from 2010 through 2014 where he played for KKR, RCB and Kings XI, accumulating close to 400 runs in 22 innings.

But he went unsold in 2015, and that pushed him to concentrate on the longest format which paid off. He has been the backbone of India’s batting order in the past four years, and has led the team to famous wins. Not only that, but he has also been playing a slightly more attacking brand of cricket in the recent past that could help him improve his chances of an IPL contract this time around. In addition to holding one end, he can also ease the pressure for the middle order by scoring occasional boundaries.