IPL 2018: 5 Overseas Cricketers who are hopeful of a maiden contract

With every passing year, the Indian Premier League keeps getting bigger and better and certainly, the 2018 edition has already proven it’s up for breaking a lot of records. A hub of entertainment, a scintillating platform to earn a few bucks, and a home of opportunities for youngsters, IPL has been a lot of things over the course of time.

A certain Ben Stokes earned a contract worth Rs. 14.5 Crore, which didn’t surprise many. But there were a lot of people who didn’t believe he could be worth the humongous contract. As it turned out, Stokes’ flabbergasting all-round display helped the Rising Pune Supergiant reach the final. He was also awarded the “Most Valuable Player” award for the 2017 season.

Many foreign cricketers like him got big contracts the very first time. A few managed to deliver big time whilst the others faltered and eventually vanished. As the fans prepare for another exciting edition of the IPL auctions, here’s another list of exuberant foreign cricketers who are hoping to get their first ever IPL contract.

1. Joe Root (England)

No debates, no arguments, there will be a bidding war for the English Test skipper Joe Root. A proven match-winner across all formats, Root is touted as one of the best cricketers England has ever produced. He is on the wish list of every franchise and the services he provided in the middle order is something worth spending a fortune on.

Root prefers playing the conventional cricketing shots more often than not and reaps wonderful results. He is also a perfect captaincy material, which is quite a blessing for all those sides who are rebuilding their squad. He has consented to miss out on a few International T20 games to participate in this event, which clearly shows how big the IPL has become.

2. Mujeeb Zadran (Afghanistan)

The first ever 21st Century born individual to play International cricket, Mujeeb Zadran is one of the favorites from his country to earn a contract. Following the footsteps of his senior companion Rashid Khan, who already won the hearts of IPL and Big Bash fans, Mujeeb can create a lot of problems with his trickery.

After showing his masterclass at the U19 Level, he has earned an International debut against Ireland as well. He is a crucial member of the Afghan side in the ongoing U19 World Cup as well, where his side is one of the favorites to win. Although not many franchises pick foreign spinners, there’s a strong belief that he will definitely create a bidding war.

3. Evin Lewis (Windies)

One of the best T20 cricketers around the world, Evin Lewis is touted as Chris Gayle’s successor. No one can ever match the legend of Chris Gayle, but Lewis is special in his own way. He is a quintessential Caribbean batsman, who believes a lot more in hand-eye coordination than footwork.

The southpaw tends to pounce on anything that’s slightly on his radar. He can hit big sixes and can construct an innings beautifully, making him a perfect opener in the shortest format. The results he has achieved over the last few months for the Windies and in the Bangladesh Premier League are sensational and the franchises will have to spend a lot to get him on their side.

4. Jofra Archer (Windies)

If Jorfa ‘Chioke’ Archer doesn’t get a bid, the franchise scouts would’ve done a blunder. One of the most exciting prospects in T20 cricket right now, Jofra Archer has been sensational in the BPL and the ongoing BBL. He can bat, bowl, and on his day, he can take some breathtaking catches and leave everyone shell-shocked.

All-rounders often earn a contract, especially the fast bowling all-rounders. His role in Hobart Hurricanes’ meteoric rise in the season was pivotal and instrumental. The franchises are vying to re-build their squads in the best possible way and Jofra Archer must be on the list of almost all the franchises inside the Auction Hall.

5. Moeen Ali (England)

Moeen Ali had a forgettable outing in the recently concluded Ashes series, but it’d be foolish to write him off. In the absence of Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali was potentially touted as the player who might help England regain the urn. But that wasn’t to the case as Ali failed miserably, so did his team, who lost 4-0 in the 5-match series.

Having said that, it’s hard to recollect better all-rounders than him right now. He can bat at any position and with the ball, he’s equally versatile. All those teams who are willing to contruct a strong middle order will definitely have an eye on him. It would’nt be surprising if his asking price goes astronomically high.