The IPL 2020 auctions will be most crucial for Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab who are still looking for their maiden IPL title. Over the years, their record in the competition has been far from good and both the franchisees would like to rewrite the script this time around. In this article, we analyze players who will be in the radar of both these franchises in the upcoming auction in Kolkata on December 19.
Lets first look at the three players KXIP should look to target.
Kings XI Punjab: (Purse Remaining: Rs 42.70 Crore)
Aaron Finch: Captain
Having traded Ravichandran Ashwin to Delhi Capitals in the transfer window, Kings XI Punjab would need someone to lead the side in IPL 2020. Aaron Finch, the Australian T20 skipper who was a part of the KXIP outfit 2017 and 2018 could be the ideal option. Currently the skipper of a competitive Australian T20 unit, Finch has led Pune Warriors India in the past. The hard-hitting opener is approaching close to 2000 IPL runs and the added responsibility of captaincy might just bring the best out of him.
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Tim Southee: Overseas Pacer
Having released by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the auctions, Tim Southee with his ability to swing the ball with pace can be an ideal candidate foreign overseas pacer to be signed by Punjab. With Sam Curran released from the squad who could swing the ball, Southee can be an ideal replacement for the English bowling-allrounder. Southee has enough experience of playing IPL cricket having spent most of his career with Chennai Super Kings before switching to RCB where he was hardly used by Kohli.
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Marcus Stoinis: All-Rounder
Marcus Stoinis was traded by RCB in place of Mandeep Singh last year. However, the move didn’t pay off as Stoinis did not have a good season with the Kohli-led side. He was again released during the transfer window which makes him available at the auctions. Stoinis has already spent three seasons (2016, 2017 and 2018) with KXIP and thus will be an ideal addition to the side who are also looking for an all-rounder as well among their requirements.
Delhi Capitals: (Purse Remaining: Rs 27.85 Crore)
The inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane in the side has strengthened Delhi’s Indian contingent. One of the two players is expected to lead the side in IPL 2020. However, still, Delhi is in need of players in the upcoming auctions.
Here are the three players Delhi might target in IPL 2020 auctions.
Lendl Simmons / Chris Lynn: Overseas Opener
Delhi has plenty of options when it comes to their opening combination. Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw opened for them last season. With the addition of Ajinkya Rahane in the side, Shaw might have to take the backseat as the management might look for Dhawan and Rahane to open. In case Delhi needs an overseas opener, either of Lendl Simmons or Chris Lynn fits the bill. Lynn’s recent exploits in the T10 League in Abu Dhabi has made him a hot property in the upcoming auctions. Simmons having released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the auctions will be another good addition to the squad in case they bid for both.
James Neesham/Sam Curran/Carlos Brathwaite: Overseas All-rounder
Delhi released specialist all-rounder Chris Morris ahead of the IPL 2020 auctions hinting at the fact that they might not bid for him again. The likes of James Neesham, Carlos Brathwaite and Sam Curran are the options that Delhi might look to add to their squad in the upcoming auctions. Both Neesham and Brathwaite were a part of the Delhi squad in the past. While Neesham played for them in 2014, Brathwaite played between 2016 and 2017.
Also Read: IPL 2020 Auctions: Three Players KKR and CSK Might Target
Foreign Pacer: Mitchell Starc
Delhi have only one foreign pacer now in their squad currently after they traded Trent Boult to Mumbai Indians in the transfer window. They are in need of an experienced foreign pacer who can add value to their bowling attack. Someone like Mitchell Starc with his experience can be a huge addition to the side and with Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma can form a formidable pace trio. With five overseas spots available Delhi should look to buy these players which can give a complete look to their squad.