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IPL 2020 Auctions: Three Players MI and RR Might Target
- Updated: December 2, 2019
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Having discussed six teams so far and the players they might look to target in the upcoming auctions, we get down to the final two teams Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. Mumbai and Chennai are the two teams who look the strongest after the initial transfer window with the core of their team sorted. Rajasthan, on the other hand, have released as many as 11 players and are looking to form the squad from the scratch.
Here are the three players MI might target in the upcoming auctions.
Mumbai Indians: (Purse Remaining: Rs 13.05 Crore)
Overseas Opener: Martin Guptill/Evin Lewis
With only two overseas spots available Mumbai Indians have to identify the individuals very carefully. Though they have a very strong squad with plenty of bench strength as well, Mumbai have always been slow starters in the tournament and it is in the early phase of the tournament that they try out many combinations. Though Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma are their regular openers, Rohit has often slipped into number three keeping in view the need of the team. Also if De Kock loses his form in the early phase of the tournament, either of Guptill and Lewis can take his place. Both have played with Mumbai Indians in the past and are familiar with the ground conditions and their opener Rohit Sharma as well, who is currently one of the best openers in the shorter versions of the game.
Also Read: Indian Premier League 2020 Schedule
Ish Sodhi/Adam Zampa: Overseas Spinner
With Mumbai Indians releasing Harbjajan Singh in 2018, they are lacking an experienced international spinner ever since. Either of Ish Sodhi or Adam Zampa can be a good signing for the four-time champions.
Sodhi was signed by the Rajasthan Royals in 2018. Since then, he has picked up nine wickets in eight games for the franchise. Sodhi grabbed the headlines for the first time in Indian media after he took 3 for 18 as he helped the Kiwis beat India in the World T20 2016 in Nagpur. Ever since, Sodhi was always on the radar of the IPl franchisees and finally, the Royals roped him in for in 2018. However, he was released again ahead of the IPL 12 auctions.
Zampa played for the Rising Pune Supergiants alongside MS Dhoni in IPL 2016 & 2017. During his two year stint with the franchise, Zampa picked up a 6-for against SRH to make headlines. Everyone witnessed the guile and the skill which Zampa brought to his game under Dhoni’s guidance. Having missed the IPL since the last two years, Zampa has grown as a spinner having played around the world.
Sam Curran
Sam Curran is an interesting option as an overseas all-rounder. Curran who was picked up by Kings XI Punjab for 7.2 crores. He immediately made an impression for Punjab as he took a hat-trick against Delhi Capitals. He also had a strike rate of 172 172.72 in IPL 2019 with a fifty against Kolkata Knight Riders. With Curran only going to get better in the future, MI can invest in him in the auctions this season. His left-arm swing bowling can be an added asset for the franchise in the tournament.
Now let’s have a look at the three players Rajasthan Royals might target.
Rajasthan Royals: (Purse Remaining: Rs 28.90 Crore)
Chris Lynn: Overseas Opener
Chris Lynn will be a hot property in the upcoming IPL auction after his exploits in the T10 League. It is no surprise that every franchise will look to target Lynn in the auctions and if the Royals can manage ti rope him in he will be a big buy for them ahead of the start of the tournament. With 4 international spots to fill for the Royals, Lynn can certainly be one of them.
Barinder Sran: Indian Pacer
The left-arm pacer who was released by Mumbai Indians during the transfer window can be an ideal replacement for Jaydev Unadkat for the Royals. Sran, who has played six ODIs and two T20Is for India has pace with the ball and the ability to swing as well. Sran started his IPL career with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 picking up 14 wickets that season and being the perfect foil to Mustafizur Rahman and Rashid Khan. Royals, who has always promoted young cricketers can buy Sran at the auctions and give him another chance to perform at the IPL level.
Also Read: IPL 2020 Auctions: Three Players KKR and CSK Might Target
Piyush Chawla: Indian Spinner
The fourth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, Piyush Chawla is one of the IPL veterans who is still good enough to bamboozle batsmen. He picked up 66 wickets between 2014 and 2019 and was a part of the victorious KKR squad in 2014. He can be of huge advantage with his experience for any side he plays for. With Rajasthan lacking experienced bowlers, the addition of Chawla might just be the ideal thing for the Royals.
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