5 probable most expensive buys of IPL Auction 2019: Sportsrush presents before you five names who might be the most expensive in IPL auction.

With the auction for the 12th season of the IPL (Indian Premier League) set to happen in less than a week’s time now, there have been a lot of guesswork regarding which player will go to which franchise. Despite the fact that this isn’t a mega auction, it seems to have less effect on the build-up.

While there are no Indian players in the top bracket of players who have a base price of INR 2 crore, one might just witness some overseas players alluring cash during the imminent auction process. Jaydev Unadkat, who was released by Rajasthan Royals, has the highest base price (INR 1.5 crore) for an Indian player.

It is worth mentioning that the auction will be held on December 18 at Jaipur. It will be the first time that the IPL auction will not happen in Bengaluru.

5 probable most expensive buys in IPL 2019 Auction:

1) Martin Guptill – It is ironical that the player with a base price of INR 50 lakh has been put in the list of potential names who will leave the auction as the highest-earners. Having said that, it might just be an upshot of the auction this time.

To start with, the reason why Guptill has played only 10 matches in a tournament whose format suits well to his game remains a significant puzzle. With other international teams’ players not allowed to play the whole tournament, New Zealand’s opening batsman might get a proper gig in the IPL this time round.

In the 213 T20s that he has played, he has scored 6,167 runs at an average of 32.62 and a strike rate of 128.21. In 75 T20Is, Guptill has 2,271 runs to his name. An average of 34.40 and a strike rate of 132.88 speaks highly about his consistency in the format. Currently the highest run-scorer in T20Is, Guptill will be looking forward to make a mark in the IPL this year.

2) Axar Patel – Having retained by Kings XI Punjab for INR 12.5 crore last season, India all-rounder Axar Patel was released by the franchise before the deadline of November 15. In the nine matches that he played this year, Patel scored 80 runs at an average of 13.33 and a strike rate of 115.94.

With the ball in hand, Patel picked up a mere three wickets at an average of 72.66, an economy rate of 8.38 and a strike rate of 52. The numbers had it in them for KXIP to release Patel.

With a few franchises looking to buy a significant chunk of their team, Patel is highly likely to be in their scheme of things for an India all-rounder is what franchises would be looking to buy. With a base price of INR 1 crore, here is expecting Patel enticing the buyers in the auction next week.

3) Mohammad Shahzad – Given the form that Afghanistan opening batsman and wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad is in, it is all but certain that he would receive his maiden IPL call-up in the IPL auction this week.

Shahzad accumulated plentiful of news after scoring a 12-ball half-century for Rajputs against Sindhis in the opening encounter of the second season of the T10 League at Sharjah. In which was a 95-run chase, Shahzad’s blitz saw his team chasing it in four over. He ended up scoring 74* (16) with the help of six fours and eight sixes.

In the last ODI which Shahzad played, he scored his fifth ODI century, scoring 124 (116) with the help of 11 fours and seven sixes. The fact that the blistering innings was played against India in itself is enough to gain him brownie points during the IPL auction.

Furthermore, a T20I strike rate of 134.81 and a T20 strike rate of 131.80 will aid Shahzad take part in the cash-rich tournament.

4) Sam Curran – If reports are to be believed, the upcoming season of the IPL will be held in South Africa. Given the conditions over there, one expects someone like Sam Curran to play a vital role.

A fast-bowling all-rounder of his potential could well win matches for his side. It isn’t only about Curran’s potential for the 20-year old cricketer has matched it with performance at the highest level. Having performed in crunch situations for England, it speaks highly about his temperament.

5) Shimron Hetmyer – The 21-year old West Indian southpaw has made the right build-up for himself ahead of the IPL auction. Apart from all that he has done in the recent time, the tour of India earlier this year is likely to bolster his chances.

Highest run-scorer for his team during the ODI series, Hetmyer scored 259 runs in five matches at an average of 51.80 and a strike rate of 140. His ability to hit the long ball at will will increase his chances of representing an IPL batting line-up’s middle-order.

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