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One Foreigner Each Franchise Must Target At The IPL 2021 Auctions

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Dawid Malan and Matthew Wade in IPL
Photo Source: Twitter

It is now almost certain that IPL 2021 would proceed without any drastic alterations. The addition of new teams will befall in 2022, and consequently, the probability of a mega-auction is also unlikely.

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Therefore, it is inherent that a few teams would be left upset with the developments. With no mega-auction, the prospect of reshuffling the roster will be eliminated. Hence, for at least one more campaign, teams must do with the core of IPL 2020.

That said, with a small auction anticipated, teams could still prop their options. A couple of foreign cricketers who did not play IPL 2020 would be available next season. In this article, we tell you one overseas star that each franchise must target for the upcoming season.

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Chennai Super Kings – Dawid Malan

The No.1 T20 batsman on the planet at the moment, Dawid Malan will be a hot cake at the upcoming auctions. Amongst the teams that will target him, we feel that CSK would be most alert. The three-time champions need flesh in the middle-order, and Malan can be the impetus for the same. With him starring in the middle-order, MSD, Faf, and other batsmen would have more freedom to operate. Hence, CSK must target the Englishman for next season.

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Delhi Capitals – Thisara Perera

Despite having Shimron Hetmyer and Rishabh Pant, DC’s final-overs’ shows were underwhelming in IPL 2020. The lack of a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder also affected the team. Of course, Marcus Stoinis was there, but DC was overdependent on him at times. With Prithvi Shaw not firing, DC could move Stoinis up the order next season, and bring Thisara Perera to the lower middle-order. The Sri Lankan player is in fine form, and he would help the balance of the squad. His presence would also allow Pant to rediscover his touch.

Kings XI Punjab – Shakib Al Hasan

The fate of Shakib Al Hasan is still not clear. While he is now eligible to play competitive cricket again, his form is yet to be tested. Nevertheless, KXIP must still go hard for the Bangladeshi superstar. The team needs an anchor in the middle-order, and Shakib can do the job. The player can offer four overs of top-quality spin, and this can be helpful for a squad that does not have experienced spinners.

Kolkata Knight Riders – Jason Roy

KKR must decide their opening combination as the first step towards preparing for IPL 2021. The Sunil Narine experiment has often flopped in recent years, and it might be the right time to revert to the conventional approach. If they do that, a reliable and destructive opener is necessary. Jason Roy is a good candidate, and him being at the top can help Shubman Gill flourish. A consistent run and Roy might even compete for the Orange Cap next season.

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Mumbai Indians – Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga IPL
Photo: Wanindu Hasaranga/Instagram

Now, this team hardly has a weakness that the management can focus on. Nevertheless, if you think hard, you might think that MI lacks an extra spin-option. It is here that we feel that the champions could target a guy like Hasaranga. The Sri Lankan boy was arguably the best player in the recently held LPL. He is a leg-break bowler who can be more than useful with the bat in hand. With Mahela Jayawardene at the helm, this move could actually happen next season.

Rajasthan Royals – Ashton Agar

Rajasthan Royals have one of the finest overseas contingents in the competition. That said, if one of the quartets are not available, the team usually suffers. Hence, to plug this weakness and improve the variety on their bench, RR must target Ashton Agar next season. The Aussie all-rounder has been in good form in recent years. He has become a T20 specialist of sorts and could give some options to the RR management with his presence.

Royal Challengers Bangalore – Matthew Wade

RCB needs fearless firepower at the top of the order. Aaron Finch could not do that, and therefore, the team could look to replace him. Based on his performances in recent times, Matthew Wade seems apt for the role. He is also a wicket-keeper, and that would relieve ABD of the glove duties. From all corners, RCB would only benefit from the signing of Wade.

Sunrisers Hyderabad – Cameron Green

Middle-order is still a problem at SRH. While Jason Holder offered some relief in the latter half of IPL 2020, the West Indian is not an ideal solution. The team needs someone more well-versed with the bat than with the ball. At the moment, Cameroon Green can be a good option. He is good with the bat and can lend a few overs of pace if required. He is also young and a long-term option for the franchise.