IPL 2021: Team-wise IPL Auction Targets

With International Cricket set to resume in India, IPL 2021 Auction will be the next big thing that will catch a lot of interests from the fans all across the globe. All 8 teams have already released their lists of retained players ahead of the auction. In the build-up to IPL Auction 2021, we will analyze the exact requirements of each team and which players can make them stronger outfits than they are currently.

Chennai Super Kings

After the releases of Harbhajan Singh, Shane Watson and Kedar Jadhav, it has been quite clear what Chennai Super Kings outfit requires to put together a squad which can compete. They need overseas openers who can put them ahead of the game right from the word go. Tim Seifert and Tom Banton are young options while Aaron Finch and Chris Lynn emerge as experienced options. With IPL likely to happen in India this season, they will be looking for decent players of spin bowling first up. Apart from that, domestic spinners should be on CSK’s radars as that was another area where Chennai struggled last year. Someone like Prince Balwant Rai could fit their requirements perfectly.

Salary cap available: INR 22.90 Cr

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals already look a complete team even after their releases this year. They lost Amit Mishra and Ishant Sharma to injuries last year and with both coming back this year, which will add plethora of experience in their ranks. Delhi’s first playing XI is all set even if there is a game tomorrow but they should look for some backups for the depth. Backups for Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer along with a local wicket-keeping option should cover all bases for Delhi Capitals this year.

Salary cap available: INR 12.80 Cr

Kings XI Punjab

This franchise is based heavily on this year’s auction. They desperately need a good auction day to field a team that can bid for their first ever championship. Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran are only regular overseas options their lineup currently. With highest money remaining in the purse before the auction, they will go hard after the players they want. Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson and Kyle Jamieson will surely be on their radar. In batting, they will hope for some experienced options in the middle order. Dawid Malan can be an option for them in overseas quota. Indian all-rounders like Pawan Negi can fit their bills for the upcoming season.

Salary cap available: INR 53.20 Cr

Kolkata Knight Riders

With Sunil Narine being found out at top of the order and Tom Banton released, Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking for some overseas imports in their batting lineup, especially top order players. Tim Seifert is a premier candidate as he also plays for Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL and some of the coaching staff has already worked with him. In other options, Aaron Finch, Chris Lynn and Matthew Wade are front runners with Brendon McCullum at helm of affairs. In middle order options, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell are experienced options to support Dinesh Karthik and Eoin Morgan.

Salary cap available: INR 10.75 Cr

Mumbai Indians

As always Mumbai Indians have been specific about what they need to complete their hat-trick of consecutive IPL titles. After the retirement of Lasith Malinga, Mumbai have also released Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson and Mitchell McClenaghan this year. So, they are clearly looking for overseas fast-bowlers and Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Kyle Jamieson, Riley Meredith and Adam Milne are some of the options on offer at this year’s auction potentially. Apart from that, they need back-ups in their spin bowling department with some local options in case of any injuries to Rahul Chahar.

Salary cap available: INR 15.35 Cr

Rajasthan Royals 

With Steve Smith out of equation now, Rajasthan Royals are set to play under the leadership of Sanju Samson for this year’s season. English trio of Josh Buttler, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer are again critical to their plans. This franchise will be searching for some International middle order options and Indian fast bowlers. Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, Jason Roy are some of the contenders for that batting spots while someone like Shivam Dube or Mohit Sharma can also add value to this Rajasthan Royals outfit in the upcoming season. They might also try bringing back Krishnappa Gowtham for this year.

Salary cap available: INR 34.85 Cr

Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB have released some of their major International signings including Chris Morris before the auction. It is extremely difficult to understand thought process behind this but one thing is for certain – upcoming auction is very crucial for them if they are to accumulate a formidable squad for IPL 2021. Someone like Glenn Maxwell, Jason Roy or Alex Hales can add firepowers to their batting lineup. Indian pacers like Ankit Rajpoot or Varun Aaron should also be on their targets with very limited fast-bowling options in their squad currently. Fabian Allen can also be a good pick for them as they are not having the services of Moeen Ali and Chris Morris now.

Salary cap available: INR 35.90 Cr

Sunrisers Hyderabad

As usual, Sunrisers Hyderabad haven’t released most of their players and we won’t see bulk changes in their lineup this year as well. Only thing that they can do is to look for some Indian middle order options from the auction. Apart from that, they may look for some International pace bowling picks this year for backups.

Salary cap available: INR 10.75 Cr