IPL Auction 2021: Who Will Be A Millionaire? Steve Smith, Shakib Al Hasan Up For Grabs

Shakib Al Hasan is making a comeback after serving a ban. Photo: File

He is an all-rounder and is as good as they come. Up there with the world’s best, Shakib is making a return to cricket after serving a ban. He made a successful return in the recently concluded Bangladesh Test series against the West Indies. A proven talent with both bat and ball, Shakib can attract a lot of attention.

5. Chris Morris (base price INR 75 lakh)

The South African was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore. But his ability to bowl and use the long handle makes him an attractive package. He is a good bowler to bowl death overs and can score handy runs for the team. His base price makes him an ideal candidate, and expect a bidding war for his signature.

6. Mujeeb ur Rahman (base price INR 1 crore)

A mystery spinner from Afghanistan, Mujeeb was off loaded by KXIP or Punjab Kings. After an indifferent IPL, he more than redeemed himself with 14 wickets in eight matches in BBL. A talented bowler who can spin a web around opponents, Mujeeb can be a force on Indian wickets that aid spin.

7. Kyle Jamieson (base price INR 75 lakh)

The last IPL in UAE saw a return of fast bowlers. Delhi Capitals used their opening pair of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje to good effect. A tall strapping fast bowler, Jamieson can come handy in bouncing your opponents. SRH, who don’t have a genuine quick in their squad, might be interested. He averaged 13.27 with 36 wickets in six Test matches.

8. Alex Hales (base Price INR 1.5 crore)

Hales is another English player who had a huge BBL. He scored 543 runs for Sydney Thunders and had a strike rate of 161.60. Certainly an ideal candidate for dismantling a bowling attack on docile Indian wickets.

9. Steve Smith (base price INR 2 crore)

Off loaded by Rajasthan Royals, Steve Smith did return to form during India’s tour of Australia. He can score quick runs, hold the innings together and surely can lead a team. The overall qualities make him a good player.

10. Ben Cutting [base price INR 75lakh)

Cutting scored 280 runs averaging 40 at a strike rate of 156.42 in recently concluded BBL. He also took four wickets making him a handy bits and pieces player.

Here is a precursor to the money and slots available with each of the eight teams.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have 11 slots, including three for foreigners, with a total purse of INR 35.4 crore. Last year’s runners-up, Delhi Capitals have a total purse of just over INR 13 crore with eight slots including three for overseas, to fill.

Rajasthan Royals who let go of their biggest player Steve Smith have a purse of INR 37.85 crore with nine slots (three overseas) available. Punjab have a whopping INR 53.2 crore and nine slots, including five for overseas players.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have the least number of slots and purse with just INR 10.75 crore available for thee vacancies (one overseas).

Two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders' purse is also INR 10.75 crore (eight slots, two overseas), while three-time champions Chennai Super Kings' amount in the kitty is INR 19.9 crore ( six slots, one overseas). Mumbai Indians were left with a purse of INR 15.35 crore with seven slots, including four overseas.