IPL Auction 2021 is just around the corner. Although the event’s official date is not yet out, the fans expect that the auction will happen in a few weeks. The India vs. Australia T20I series concluded recently. The IPL franchises would have followed the series closely because apart from the Indian players, some new Australian players also made their presence felt in the 3 T20Is.
Australia has given many talented stars to the IPL. Players like David Warner, Steve Smith, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc have gained an enormous fan base because of their IPL performances. Another Australian star who can join the IPL soon is Mitchell Swepson.
The right-arm leg-spinner has taken seven wickets in four T20Is. Here are the five teams that could sign Mitchell Swepson in IPL Auction.
5. Mumbai Indians
The Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in IPL history. Playing under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, the Mumbai-based franchise has won five titles in the last eight seasons. They are the two-time defending champions, hinting that they have the perfect squad.
However, one aspect of the Mumbai Indians squad, which is weaker than the others, is their spin attack. They have Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, and Jayant Yadav in their spin bowling department. A player like Mitchell Swepson could be a great back-up option and a game-changer on the spin-friendly surfaces.
4. Chennai Super Kings
The Chennai Super Kings had many spin-bowling options in IPL 2020. However, none of them could perform consistently. Imran Tahir is the team’s lead overseas spinner. Since the age factor will work against him in 2021, CSK would love to have a back-up option.
Someone like Mitchell Swepson can do a fantastic job, especially at Chepauk. He scalped wickets of Indian batsmen on the flat tracks of Sydney. Thus, he could be very influential on the pitches of India.
3. Kings XI Punjab
The Kings XI Punjab faced some issues in their overseas department this year. They could not form a perfect combo of the four foreign players. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the team’s primary overseas spin bowler, has struggled to trouble the batsmen in the last two seasons.
Thus, the Mohali-based franchise will look for some new options. Since players from Australia have done a fine job for the Kings XI Punjab in the past, they would not mind going for Mitchell Swepson in the IPL Auction 2021.
2. Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals had their worst IPL season in 2020. They finished at the eighth position on the points table despite having a stellar squad. The Royals need to add some more options in their spin department. Shreyas Gopal is their top spin-bowling option.
By signing Mitchell Swepson, they can have a proper back-up to their Indian spinners. While playing matches on spin-friendly pitches, Swepson can prove to be a match-winner for the inaugural IPL winners.
1. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad had a problem with their overseas combination just like the Kings XI Punjab. Jason Holder saved the day for them at the last moment. However, SRH might not require Holder on spin-friendly wickets when Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan would be available.
Mitchell Swepson could form a deadly partnership with Rashid Khan in those games. Also, if Rashid is unavailable due to any reason, Swepson could replace him in the playing XI.
