The IPL 2021 Auctions will occur on February 18th in Chennai. 292 players will go beneath the hammer on the day when most teams would endeavour to fill the gaps in the roster, and add more reinforcements for the upcoming season. Initially, 1097 players had registered for the event, but after the list went through all the franchises, the count has now stopped at 292.
Experience is an interesting word in T20 cricket. While the format is known to be a youngster’s forte, we have noticed the older and the veteran guys also thrive in this version. In fact, teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have been victorious because of this reason. In the upcoming auctions too, we have a few cricketers aged above 35, who are going under the hammer. We talk about five men who could actually secure a deal at the auctions.
1. Kedar Jadhav – 36 years old
Despite his mediocre form in the last year or so, Kedar Jadhav will still interest a few franchises. The former CSK man has done well for the Indian Team in the past and has some good knocks to his name in IPL too. Although he hasn’t been bowling recently, if he takes up the ball, he can be useful in this department as well. Unlike most other players of his age, Kedar has an unconventional way of going about his batting. This can reap awards in the T20 format, and hence, he might earn a bid at the event.
Teams that might target him: Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab
2. Harbhajan Singh – 40 years old
40-year-old Harbhajan Singh has also enrolled himself for the auctions. Although many felt that the veteran would hang up his boots, his urge to succeed at this age speaks volumes about him. For any team that hires him, they can be assured of 100% commitment on the field and at least three to four games of match-winning performances. Also, there are a few franchises, who do not have experienced right-arm offies in their units. Harbhajan can easily fill the role for such teams.
Teams that might target him: Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab
3. B Arun Karthick – 35 years old
Arun Karthick is one unfortunate cricketer in the Indian domestic circuit. Time and again, he is performing exceptionally in the T20 format, but yet, he is being ignored by IPL franchises. This time around, his chance of finding a franchise will be higher. He had a great SMAT where he won the competition with Tamil Nadu. Arun also played a superb knock in one of the games to help his side win the match. He is also a good wicket-keeper, and that will only improve his case.
Teams that might target him: Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals
4. Dan Christian – 37 years old
It seems as though Dan Christian is not getting old at all! The Aussie all-rounder is still active in the game, and surprisingly, he is bowling and batting with the same energy and intensity. He had a decent BBL, and going by that, he could be in line for a return to IPL. Dan is someone who contributes equally to both departments of the game. Yes, he might be devoid of the glamour, but he is someone who does the job effectively. There is a big demand for such cricketers, and here is where he can come into the picture.
Teams that might target him: Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab
5. Fidel Edwards – 39 years old
Fidel Edwards is at the end of his Kolpak deal and is now set to explore franchise tournaments across the globe. In the recently held T10 tournament, the West Indian was at the top of his game. Despite being close to 40 years old, he was able to deliver speeds of 90kmph consistently. Most batsmen were troubled by this pace of the speedster. Although his age might be a put-off, there could be a few teams that will be interested in the speed-bursts of the Barbadian.
Teams that might target him: Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab
