5 PSL 2019 players who can expect a bid in IPL 2020

Even before the initiation of IPL 2020, the star-studded league has garnered a lot of attention due to its trading window. Ahead of the IPL 2020 auction, the trading window has given a lot of surprising deals for the fans. A few noteworthy transfers being- Ajinkya Rahane to Delhi Capitals, Trent Boult to Mumbai Indians and Ravichandran Ashwin to Delhi Capitals.

The trading window has certainly boosted the excitement level of IPL 2020. Meanwhile, the IPL 2020 auction is not too far away. The franchises will be placing their cards on the players who have showcased their calibre in domestic leagues all around the globe. One of the leagues, which gave rise to a lot of foreign talents was Pakistan Super League 2019. The PSL saw many stellar performances, paving the way for international recognition for many overseas players.

Such players will emerge as hot favourites to be picked for the upcoming IPL season for their explosive batting or economical bowling. Here are the five players who will be under the scanner of many IPL franchises due to their performance in the Pakistan Super League:

1. Luke Ronchi

IPL franchises are always hunting for a wicketkeeper who can also strengthen their batting attack. With decent wicketkeeping skills and explosive batting, Ronchi has been considered as a specialist in the shorter formats of the game. He has been a regular member of the ODI and T20I squads since his New Zealand debut. He has played some crucial innings for the Kiwis and has also showcased his batting forte in domestic leagues in many countries.

Ronchi represented Islamabad United in PSL 2019, where he delivered vital knocks for his side. One of his memorable knocks was against Karachi Kings, where he smashed a quick-fire half-century to propel his team to a good start. Despite being at the end of his international career, Ronchi has the capability to play crucial knocks for his side.

The 38-year-old can provide good starts and can finish off things in the death overs too. Ronchi also has the experience of playing 100 First-class matches where he has amassed 5614 runs at an average of 39.25 including 16 tons. The right-hander has also played in the IPL for Mumbai Indians in the 2008-09 season. He played five matches for them but gathered only 34 runs.

2. James Vince

The skipper of Hampshire County, Vince is known for his elegant strokes on either side of the wicket. Due to his vast experience in the domestic circuit, Vince is a prominent name in the auctions of many T20 leagues across the globe. Vince has featured for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash and represents the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League.

The left-hander grabbed the headlines in April 2019 by playing a 154-ball 190 knock which included 15 fours and 5 sixes. Despite amassing only 40 runs in three appearances in the ICC World Cup 2019, Vince has the potential to play crucial knocks on his day. Vince recently smashed his maiden T20I half-century against New Zealand, steering his side to a seven-wicket win.

Considering his current form, Vince can emerge as a strong candidate to bolster the middle-order of many IPL franchises. With more than 100 domestic caps in all the three formats of the game, Vince has progressed from a solid batsman to becoming Hampshire’s captain. He is regarded as the spine of Hampshire’s batting force.

3. Chris Jordan

Injuries have played a vital role in hampering Chris Jordan’s international career graph. However, the Barbados-born pacer has shown his forte in numerous domestic leagues. He also possesses the ability to contribute with the bat. Jordan steered the bowling line-up of Peshawari Zalmi in the previous edition of PSL.

Jordan has played 31 ODIs for England and has snapped 43 wickets which also includes a five-wicket haul. The 31-year-old has a phenomenal record in First-class cricket. He has scalped 335 wickets in 114 matches at an impressive economy of 3.39. Jordan was one of the key players for England in the 2016 T20 World Cup where he was appreciated for his death bowling spells.

The pacer also has the experience of playing domestic leagues in India. Jordan also had stints with Royal Challengers Bangalore (2016) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2017-18) but failed to leave a mark in either side. Jordan, who can also put up crucial runs with the bat, will be under scanner for IPL franchises who are looking forward to bolstering their bowling attack.

4. Rilee Rossouw

Rilee Rossouw, the elegant left-hander represented South Africa in ODIs before opting for a Kolpak deal in English county cricket at Hampshire. The 30-year-old has delivered some impressive performances for the Proteas in his international career. He has 3 ODI centuries under his belt while representing the Proteas for 36 matches.

Rossouw has represented Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League since 2017 and has contributed to strengthening their middle-order batting line-up. Rossouw can be handy for many IPL franchises who want to invest in a player who can perform well during the death overs.

Rossouw’s first-class record has also been phenomenal. He has gathered 7363 runs in 108 matches at an average of 40.90 including 19 tons. In the past, Rossouw had a stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore but failed to grab the limelight. Rossouw was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 for the fourth edition of IPL. He will be itchy to make a comeback and prove his worth on Indian soil.

5. Dawid Malan

Currently ranked as the No.3 T20I batsman in the world, Malan will be in the buying list of many IPL franchises. The left-hander has an astounding first-class record and gathered 11,229 runs from 188 matches at an average of 37.4. Malan is regarded as a late bloomer in the international circuit. However, the 32-year-old has gained the experience of playing in numerous domestic leagues in many countries.

Malan was snapped up by Peshawar Zalmi in 2017 and has been a vital part of the team since then. In his debut season with Zalmi, Malan gathered 175 runs at a strike rate of 138.88. He was also a part of the league-winning side of Peshawar Zalmi in 2017.

2016 turned out to be a turning point in his career though as he plundered an unbeaten 126-ball 185 against Sri Lanka A in Northampton. Malan, who has not yet proved his potential on the Indian soil, will be eager to perform in the Indian Premier League. The Roehampton-born batsman has been a consistent performer for Middlesex for more than a decade now.