IPL auctions 2018: 5 England players who could start a bidding war

Probably for the first time since the inception of the Indian Premier League has England players been so keen to jump on the bandwagon. Led by their Test captain Joe Root, as many as 26 players have decided to enter the upcoming auctions.

There is little doubt that these players will attract a lot of attention from the franchises owing to their pedigree and match-winning abilities.

Here in this slider, we take a look five such English players who might start a bidding war come the IPL auctions.

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#5 Jason Roy

The pugnacious opener was part of the Gujarat Lions last season but could not set the stage on fire. However, he has announced his comeback to form with a record-breaking century against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the first ODI.

On his day, Roy can win matches all on his own and such is his range of strokes that it becomes almost impossible to contain him once he gets going.

Several franchises have gone into the auction without an opening batsman and this would mean that Roy might be a hot property.

He has a lot of experience in his corner and this year could well define him as an IPL property.

#4 Chris Woakes

The seam bowling all-rounder was very much a part of Kolkata Knight Riders' scheme of things last year as he replaced Andre Russell.

Although he did not have an entirely fulfilling tournament and also suffered an injury towards the end, he did gain a lot of invaluable experience under his belt which will hold him in great stead this year.

Also, he has improved, both as a bowler and as a batsman and this would prompt the franchises to go after his this auction as a seam-bowling all-rounder is an asset every team looks to get in their side in T20s.

#3 Joe Root

The English Test captain will enter the IPL auctions for the first time and is certain to attract a lot of interests from the different franchises.

"I think the IPL is a great opportunity. It may be that I don't have a great IPL but the best thing would be the exposure to different players and different ways of looking at the game, being under pressure for long periods of time. I can't see how that could hamper my game or be detrimental to my England career. I spent a good four or five months making that decision, that's where my head is at. Hopefully, we'll see the benefits in a couple of years' time," Root said after this decision to play in the IPL.

He has the game, ability, and the nuances to be a brilliant T20 player and many franchises might also target him owing to his leadership credentials.

Whatever be the case, Root is sure to grab a lot of eyeballs in the auctions!

#2 Jos Buttler

Probably the best white-ball player in England at the moment, Jos Buttler was decent for Mumbai Indians in the previous season. However, he has not been retained and it will be interesting to see if his former team opts for the right to match card for him in the upcoming auctions.

There is little doubt over the match-winning prowess of Buttler and apart from his attractive and audacious batting skills, he has also become a brilliant wicket-keeper which works out brilliantly for him.

Owing to the aforementioned reasons, Buttler might be one of the costliest picks in the auctions which will just be a testament to his pedigree.

#1 Ben Stokes

After having scripted history in the previous auctions, Ben Stokes is well placed to repeat the feat this year too.

However, things have not been too cozy for the combative all-rounder. After having missed the Ashes due to disciplinary reasons, Stokes will finally make an appearance for England.

He greeted the development by tweeting:

Representing my country is one of the greatest things that I've ever been lucky enough to do, walking out on to the field with the England shirt on is a privilege and a honour.Im extremely delighted to be given this opportunity to do this again....1/2

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 17, 2018

I can't wait to get back out on a pitch with the 3 Lions on my chest and feeling that pride that we all get and giving everything for the team 🏏🏏✌️✌️...2/2

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 17, 2018

This also means that he will enter the auctions as the hottest property and it will not come as a surprise to anyone if he walks away with the highest bid for any player.