The BCCI on Wednesday confirmed that the auction for the 14th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held in Chennai of February 18. Every cricket pundit’s eyes are set on this event as a mix of uncapped and experienced players will go under the hammer. Earlier on January 20, all the eight franchises announced the list of released players. A total of 55 players were released including some big-ticket cricketers. The think tanks of all the eight teams will work hard to fetch some top-performers with the amount left in their
respective purses.
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Here’s a list of players who can set the auction tables on fire in the upcoming mini-auction:
1. Mohammed Azharuddeen
Mohammed Azharuddeen from Kerala caught everyone’s eye with a sizzling century against Mumbai. In a Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy match, Azharuddeen smashed 137 off 54 balls — the first-ever T20 century by a Kerala batsman. His fearless batting may land him in a good franchise in the upcoming IPL season.
2. Glenn Maxwell
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell was released by Kings XI Punjab after a poor IPL-13. Maxwell returned to form against India in their ODI and T20 series played in November 2020 and has been in fine form in the 10th edition of the Big Bash League as well. Therefore, Maxwell could fancy his chances this time around.
3. Aaron Finch
Australian ODI and T20 skipper Aaron Finch was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Finch is a captain, an opener, and a decent fielder. Finch brings a lot of experience to the fore and he could really prove to be an asset, if in form.
4. Steve Smith
Former Australian captain Steve Smith was released by Rajasthan Royals this year. Besides the fact that he is a top batsman and a brilliant fielder, he also has the experience of playing cricket at the top level. It is being speculated that Chennai Super Kings could be interested in Smith as a replacement for Shane Watson – who has retired.
5. Sandeep Lamichhane
The Nepali leg-spinner was released by the Delhi franchise this year, but his bowling prowess in Australia’s Big Bash League surely makes him a hot pick in the upcoming auction.
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