5 Players and the franchises who will want to rope them in the IPL 2017 auction

IPL 2017, the 10th edition of arguably the most popular T20 league in cricketing history is just round the corner. The 8 franchises are now busy with their preparations for the auction. It is expected to be held on in February with a list of international players in the likes of Ben Stokes, Jason Roy amongst the new additions to the league.

Among the ten different teams who have appeared Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and the Kolkata Knight Riders are deemed as the most successful franchises having won 2 league titles apiece. Mayank Agarwal’s off-season move from Delhi Daredevils to the Royal Pune Supergiants was the sole one with the transfer window ending on 15th December 2016. While a list of players were released to bring back some cash for the auction. Here we take a look at the players whom specific teams would want to target.

1. Ben Stokes

Franchises who should target him- KXIP, Rising Pune Supergiants, RCB

English all-rounder Ben Stokes has impressed fans and experts alike with his big hitting prowess and efficient bowling performances. His ability to whack the ball into the stands and earn vital breakthroughs makes his acquisition a no-brainer for any franchise. He is expected to be the heaviest buy in the IPL 2017 auction.

His performances in the away series against India have been sublime, to say the least. Players like Richard Levi, Colin Munro who were earmarked as the next T20 superstars have been unable to replicate their performances in the IPL when afforded opportunities which make investing in unknown foreign players a gamble.

Stokes, on the other hand, was a key consistent performer for England even in the T20 World cup 2016 with tight bowling spells and entertaining cameos. KXIP have struggled a lot in the past few seasons with the over-reliance on Glenn Maxwell and David Miller hurting their cause.

The side lacks a proper all-rounder except for Akshar Patel while Marcus Stoinis’ performances weren’t up to the level demanded. Rising Pune Supergiants have opted to release Thisira Perera, Irfan Pathan, Albie Morkel which indicates that the management will be keeping an eye out for an all-rounder.

Both the sides are desperate for an all-rounder in order to fix the issues plaguing them and Stokes will be the ideal candidate to pursue as a solution. Meanwhile, there are also reports that suggest Royal Challengers Bangalore might also wish to add him since skipper Virat Kohli has been at the other end of the allrounders performance right through the tour of India. KXIP have the biggest purse going into the auction- INR 233,500,000 which means that splashing the cash for his services will not be an issue.