Ft. GT, MI, CSK, RCB & DC
After analysing few of the IPL teams in Part 1 of the IPL Auction Review, we are back on analysing the rest of the lot. This time around we are left with teams whose prime focus was only around a couple of main slots and rest all being back-up players. The mantra for success in IPL has been a stable and solid core and maybe that’s the reason why 3 out of the 5 teams left in the bag are former champions. Anyways, time can change for anyone and anytime, so let’s get back on the analysis part of the remaining IPL teams.
Can Williamson’s arrival solve Titans’ Top-order woes?
Current-champions Gujrat Titans had a memorable run last year as they brushed aside all criticism related to their not-so-strong line-up on paper and ended as the champions in their debut season. However, a major issue that they faced last time around was of a solid number 3 batter. They tried several names for the crucial number 3 spot but were left with no choices in the end as they had to go with uncapped-batter Sai Sudharshan for the time being. Vijay Shankar was considered to be the front-runner to grab that spot last year, but he failed to capitalize on his opportunities. As a result, the Kiwi-skipper Kane Williamson has found a new home in Gujrat as they have trusted him to slot in at number 3 and hold their fragile batting line-up together. Along with Kane, Odean Smith, Joshua Little and Shivam Mavi have been roped in as well by the Titans. Mavi’s arrival will provide solidity to their already strong bowling line-up and will provide some crucial batting-depth as well.
Cameron Green gets MI salute with record bid
Mumbai Indians broke the bank for Aussie-allrounder Cameron Green and acquired his services for a sum of 17.5 crores, costliest purchase for the franchise going past Ishan Kishan. Green is expected to fill in Kieron Pollard’s shoes and the young gun would be up for the challenge as well. Along with Green, MI roped in Jhye Richardson and Duan Jansen as well, mostly as back-ups.
Records shatter as Chennai gears up to witness Dhoni-Stokes reunion
After the 2017 season with Rising Pune Supergiants, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, Ben Stokes has returned to the IPL after a gap of an year and is once again set to play under MSD’s leadership, though this time at the Chennai Super Kings. CSK, like their counterparts MI, broke the bank for Ben Stokes as he surpassed Deepak Chahar to become the franchise’s costliest purchase till date, for a sum of 16.25 crores. Stokes is most probably looked upon by the franchise to take over the leadership baton from MS after Ravindra Jadeja’s underwhelming returns last year. Joining Stokes at the Super Kings den is his former Supergiants mate, Ajinkya Rahane and Kiwi allrounder Kyle Jamieson.
RCB grab back-ups as Faf seeks to end Trophy drought in Chinnaswamy
Faf Du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore were quite at the auction table as they already had their squad set and were only looking for back-up players. They have roped in overseas players Will Jacks and Reece Topley along with few domestic talents. Faf along with Virat, Maxwell and DK would hope to turn their fortunes around and grab the elusive IPL trophy this season with a settled and strong unit at their helm.
Capitals eye maiden glory with value picks
Delhi Capitals had also entered the auction arena with a view to grab back-ups and they have managed to make some crucial value buys in Rilee Rossouw, Philip Salt, Manish Pandey and Ishant Sharma. All these players are more than suitable for slotting in the starting line-up and would hope to perform whenever they get an opportunity.
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