The 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is around the corner as 10 teams gear up for the mega tournament. Before the battle begins on-field, the off-field battle has gained plenty of headlines as the auction for the current season is set to take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. With franchises focusing creating their wishlist, it's the bowling department where they might have to spend a better part of their remaining purse. Here is a look at 10 Indian bowlers to watch out for in the upcoming auctions
1. Yuzvendra Chahal
Leg-spinners have always been a valuable addition in a T20 team. Yuzvendra Chahal has 139 wickets in the IPL at an average of 22.28. He wasn't retained by the Royal Challengers Bangalore despite his impressive performance in the second phase of IPL 2021. With no Right to Match (RTM) option in the auctions, Chahal is expected to go big. Chahal has valued himself in the region of Rs 8 crores, while he spoke on the Youtube channel of Ravichandran Ashwin.
2. Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar should consider himself unlucky as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management decided against keeping him. In 63 IPL matches, Chahar has scalped 59 wickets, with an average of 29.19. His economy speaks volumes as it reads 7.8, which is more than acceptable in the shortest format of the game especially for someone who bowls the bulk of overs in powerplay overs. While CSK will try to lure him once again, other teams will be keeping a close tab on him. Franchises will also view him as a bowling all-rounder after his heroics with the bat in South Africa.
3. Mohammed Shami
Experience will have a high price in the upcoming auctions and that is where Mohammed Shami fits the bill. Having previously represented Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), Shami will be a vital addition to the squad as teams in the IPL franchise will be monitoring his situation. He averages more than a wicket a game having scalped 79 wickets in 77 IPL matches.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin
With 145 wickets in the IPL, Ashwin ranks sixth in the overall standings and has previously represented CSK, DC, Pune and Punjab in the IPL. A premium winner, Ashwin can be an important tool to have in the arsenal. Recently, he revealed that he would like to go back to CSK if they pick him.
5. Kuldeep Yadav
Famous by his nickname 'Chinaman', Kuldeep Yadav can be a hit or miss in the market after he was released by KKR. One of the important players for both KKR and India, his ability to pick wickets at vital moments could make him a big draft pick in the auctions. Kuldeep has 40 wickets in 45 matches since he started playing for KKR. However, he has not been able to deliver match-winning performances across formats of late.
6. Harshal Patel
It was a strange strategy by the RCB management as they released Purple Cap holder Harshal Patel, a decision they might regret in the future. 32 wickets in 15 matches in the 2021 season has seen his stocks reach sky-high. Franchises will be eyeing for his exploits in slog overs. 78 wickets in 63 IPL games at an average of 23.18 will see him on the list of top franchises as he ticks many boxes.
7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Ranked in the top 10 highest wicket-takers in the IPL history, Bhuvneshwar Kumar with his golden arm has the ability to turn the game on its head. Part of the title-winning team in 2016, his figures for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been mighty impressive. He is handy with old ball and the new. In 132 matches he has 142 wickets with an economy of 7.3, another reason why franchise will see him as a good option to have.
8. Shardul Thakur
Not too many fast-bowling all-rounders are available in the Indian pool of players, but Shardul Thakur is one exception. Shardul is hot on the radar of many teams with his ability to change the game with bat and bowl. If required he can go big with the bat or scalp important wickets in middle overs. In 61 IPL matches, he has 67 wickets at an economy of 8.89. CSK will try to rope him again, but it won't come as a surprise if other teams go big for him.
9. Washington Sundar
Another player who was let go by the RCB is Washington Sundar. He is prolific with both bat and ball and provides necessary cover for in all departments, his fielding ability also gives him the edge as teams monitor all the aspects. A utility player to have, Sundar will be a good option with a decent price tag that can make the difference in any of the 10 IPL teams. So far he has a record of 27 wickets in 42 IPL matches at an economy of 6.93, which will be another aspect where teams will be keeping a close tab on.
10. Avesh Khan
DC let go of Avesh Khan after IPL 2021 despite him being the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Avesh is one of the most underrated fast bowlers in the list and can start bidding wars as various franchises will be interested in him. The 25-year-old has a total of 29 wickets from 25 games at an average of 25.83.
