Kolkata: Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the 2020 season is all set to take place on Thursday (December 19) here and all the franchises will eye to boost their squad with some good signings.
Ahead of the big day, take a look at where the eight franchises stand in terms of their needs and financial position.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Purse left: Rs 14.60 crore
- No of open players slot: Five (three domestic, two overseas)
Heavyweights Chennai Super Kings have more or less a settled squad with a good blend of experienced foreign recruits and Indian players. Those in the mix have been with the MS Dhoni-led franchise for a long time and going by history, this has been the men in yellow's strength.
CSK have enough in their kitty to rope in one or two big fishes they might be looking for.
Going by their squad and historically, the Chennai-based franchise could go for another seasoned campaigner.
Also, considering that the team's veteran Dwayne Bravo is injury-prone and not having a back-up could hurt them if they don't address the issue in the auction. They also need a cover for Lungi Ngidi who has been ruled out of South Africa's Boxing Day Test against England due to hamstring injury and is also prone to picking up knocks.
Interestingly, the average age of CSK's squad is 30 years and they might eye to rope in some youngsters who can be more active when it comes to fielding.
Hence, CSK will aim to buy these players:Sam Curran, Chris Morris, Jason Holder, Jaydev Unadkat, Pat Cummins, Piyush Chawla
Mumbai Indians
- Purse left: Rs 13.05 crore
- No of open players slot: Seven (five domestic, two overseas)
Like CSK, reigning champions Mumbai Indians have a settled look about their squad and only need back-ups for improving bench strength. Having the same set of players help and that is their biggest strength.
However, in the pace department, Mumbai Indians are heavily dependent on Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. With Malinga not getting younger, Bumrah is coming back from an injury so they could require a cover. The team is also without a game-changing spin option and will look to add an experienced spinner in their squad.
Hence, MI will aim to buy these players:Varun Chakravarthy, Piyush Chawla, Hayden Walsh Jr., Pat Cummins, Zahir Khan.
Delhi Capitals
- Purse left: Rs 27.85 crore
- No of open players slot: 11 (six domestic, five overseas)
Delhi Capitals have more or less a settled look as far as their domestic players are concerned. They have the likes of Rishabh Pant and Shikhar Dhawan for firepower and in new recruit Ajinkya Rahane the solidity needed. They do not have to worry too much on the Indian players' front.
However, DC need foreign recruitments as well as an all-rounder and backup wicket-keeper.
Hence, DC will aim to buy these players:Naman Ojha, Sam Curran, Glenn Maxwell, Colin de Grandhomme, David Miller, Shimron Hetmyer, Eoin Morgan.
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Purse left: Rs 35.65 crore
- No of open players slot:11 (seven domestic, four overseas)
KKR need reinforcements having released the likes of dashing opener Chris Lynn and veteran Robin Uthappa. They have also let go off seasoned leg-spinner Piyush Chawla and a mini overhaul of the squad could become their strength.
The Kolkata based franchise haven't bought too smartly in recent times and they need to bring their 'A' game to the table in terms of reinforcements as there will be other teams in the prowl wanting to outwit the men in purple.
Also, KKR have many options when it comes to fast bowling, but they lack a proper spinner.
Hence, KKR will aim to buy these players:Robin Uthappa, Hanuma Vihari, Glenn Maxwell, Eoin Morgan, Andrew Tye, Colin de Grandhomme, Piyush Chawla, Adam Zampa, Tabraiz Shamsi
Kings XI Punjab
- Purse left: Rs 42.70 crore
- No of open players slot: Nine (five domestic, four overseas)
Anil Kumble is a shrewd cricketing brain and the former India captain, who is their new head coach, has the biggest purse among other teams to play with as KXIP look for a skipper and other foreign players.
But, besides maybe a Mohammed Shami, K.L. Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, KXIP don't boast of a great Indian set of players and in the auction they might end up going for too many and not getting what they want.
Also, KXIP, who released Ravichandran Ashwin and Sam Curran, lack of an all-rounder now. The franchise will also be keen to add a death bowler in their squad.
Hence, KXIP will aim to buy these players:James Neesham, Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Marcus Stoinis, Manoj Tiwary, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Purse left: Rs 27.90 crore
- No of open players slot: 12 (six domestic, six overseas)
Virat Kohli's RCB have their domestic players sorted and can go all out in search for good overseas buys. However, they need to fill up six slots and they do not have too much money for it. It will be interesting to see how they go about their business.
Also, RCB have been majorly dependent on Kohli and Ab de Villiers and lack a good finisher down the order who can take the team across the finishing line.
In the bowling department, RCB need a death over specialist who can control the flow of runs and avoid leaking runs.
Hence, RCB will aim to buy these players:Pat Cummins, Sheldon Cottrell, Mustafizur Rahman, Tom Curran, Eoin Morgan, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller.
Rajasthan Royals
- Purse left: Rs 28.90 crore
- No of open players slot: 11 (Seven domestic, four overseas)
They have enough firepower as far as foreign recruits are concerned and don't need to think too much on that front. So, their focus will be to fill the domestic slots, which is not very easy in a small auction.
Royals boast of Ben Stokes as their top all-rounder, however, they will eye to add one more all-rounder in their squad to pair him with Stokes. Also, in the bowling department, RR depend heavily on Jofra Archer and lacks a death bowler and a spinner.
Hence, RR will aim to buy these players:Shahrukh Khan, Deepak Hooda, Manoj Tiwary, Alex Carey, Pawan Deshpande, Mohit Sharma, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Purse left: Rs 17 crore
- No of open players slot: Seven (five domestic, two overseas)
SRH have specific gaps to fill to complete the squad which might help considering the room they have to operate with as far as the purse left is concerned. The franchise need power-packed Indian players to fill in their need of a finisher and with the limited purse, it could be a hard bargain.
SRH have been dependent on the top three and will be looking to get some strong finishers in their line-up.
SRH will aim to buy these players:Robin Uthappa, Hanuma Vihari, Glenn Maxwell, Eoin Morgan, Andrew Tye, Colin de Grandhomme
