Aakash Chopra predicts top 5 expensive picks in the IPL 2021 auction

Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, has predicted the most expensive buys ahead of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The auction is set to take place on February 18 in Chennai and eyes will be on some of the big names from the cricket world. To start with, Chopra named Mitchell Starc, the veteran Australian left-arm fast bowler amongst the expensive buys.

Starc made his debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) back in 2014 and played only two seasons for them. But keeping in mind his potential, he can be a gun bowler for any IPL team. As his second pick, Chopra went for Glenn Maxwell. The Aussie all-rounder hasn’t had a great time playing in the IPL, but his form for his national team has been no less than stupendous.

As his third pick, the 43-year-old selected England’s Dawid Malan, who already has quite a few T20 tons to his name. Mujeeb Ur Rahman was released by Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and as per Chopra, the Afghanistan tweaker will attract massive bids. Chopra also predicted Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan to be amongst the hottest picks in the upcoming IPL auction.

Aakash Chopra backs Mitchell Starc to become the most expensive IPL buy ever

About Starc, Chopra, earlier, had said that he’ll be the most expensive buy in the auction. He took to Twitter and wrote, “Mujeeb to go for 7-8 crore. Green for 5-6 Crore Starc to become the most expensive IPL buy ever. Jamieson to receive solid interest. 5-7 crore Jason Roy 4-6 crore Maxwell and NCN will still get decent contracts. Subject to their availability of course. #EarlyCall #IPL2021.”

The former Indian cricketer had also said that the Challengers won’t mind shelling out amounts up to INR 19 crores for the Aussie paceman. “RCB have 11 total slots vacant, out of which three are overseas slots. So, you feel that they have to shop whole-heartedly because they don’t have the overseas options in the playing XI ready.

“RCB will run after Mitchell Starc if he is available. They have money, so they can run after him. They can go to 15-19 crores also if they wish to do so,” Chopra was quoted as saying.