Other names to watch out:
1) Khaleel Ahmed: Those who won’t be able to get Arshdeep can go whole hog for Khaleel.
Since Yash Dayal has also been retained by RCB, Khaleel could end up getting handsome bids. He hasn’t exactly shown his potential over the years but it is the demand-supply equation that can get him a million dollar deal.
2) Deepak Chahar: Injuries have pegged him back in past few years but there is no better swing bowler in Powerplay overs in Indian conditions like Chahar. Multiple franchises could bid for him.
He has played Ranji Trophy and picked up a five-for and has not been unfit so far.
3) Avesh Khan: He had 19 wickets last season for Rajasthan Royals and went for Rs 10 crore.
He might once again fetch a bid as good as that if not better.
4) Harshal Patel: It is that time of the year when people are left stunned as Harshal’s name comes up and he walks away with a million dollar contract.
He will once again be a hot property even though he is no longer considered good for national selection.
But 24 wickets last season mean that he won’t be ignored.
5) Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Indian seam and swing bowlers controlling powerplay overs are a rare commodity and experience isn’t readily available in the Supermarket.
He might not grab eyeballs but if he remains under Rs 10 crore, he could still be a bargain buy and world knows MS Dhoni (CSK’s ‘Real Captain’) likes experienced blokes around him.
6) Jos Buttler: It is unlikely that Yashasvi Jaiswal will get to pair up with his favourite ‘Jos Bhai’ but the Englishman, in the absence of Ben Stokes, could well be the highest paid foreign player.
It won’t be a surprise if RCB, factoring in the batting paradise at Chinnaswamy and the short side boundaries, go the distance for him with INR 83 crore in kitty.
7) Liam Livingstone: Livingstone is one player, who could certainly be on Punjab Kings’ RTM radar as well as on wish-list of some of the other franchises.
He will certainly fetch a good sum.
8) Kagiso Rabada: Kagiso Rabada will always be in high demand in the IPL Universe.
The Delhi Capitals could once again want the pacer back and Punjab would have the option of RTM.
Mumbai Indians wouldn’t mind a good pace partner for Bumrah.