IPL 2018: Five Big Players Who Could Go Unsold In The Auction

In the past, we have seen many of star players going unsold in the auction. In fact, every year, we see one or the other stars going unsold. This year too, few of the star players are expected to go unsold. Before IPL auction, let’s have a look at top five players who might go unsold in the IPL auction:

Yuvraj Singh – Should the IPL franchises consider his present form, there will be no surprises if Yuvraj goes unsold in the IPL auction. In the eight games he has played till now in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Yuvraj has just scored 204 runs at a strike rate of 99.51. He struggled badly during the game against Jharkhand where he just managed 17 runs off 33 balls, which was a big surprise to see. Surely, if his recent form is considered, there will be no surprise if he goes unsold.

Since he is in the first lot of players to go under the hammer, there is always a case of him going unsold at least in the first round as franchises would always look to buy players who are in form right at the start.

Ben Stokes – His court case can come in the way of him and his will contract. It is not sure whether he would come to India to play IPL or not and if he is not allowed to play, then all the money spent on him will be a waste.

Though IPL franchises can always ask for his replacement, it would have an impact on their strategy and also the money spent by them. So, it will be wise for the franchises that they do not buy him in the auction and take a decision on him once his case is solved.

D’Arcy Short – The highest run-scorer of Big Bash League going unsold in the IPL auction is possible. Remember, Usman Khawaja, the second highest run-scorer of BBL 2016 went unsold in the IPL auction that year.

Though Short has made it to the Australian team, if he goes unsold, it should not at all come as a surprise as IPL franchises do not weigh in the performance of players in the various leagues played in different parts of the world.

Chris Gayle – Gayle had a poor run last year and could just score 200 runs nine games. His form has gone down in past few years, and as a result of it, he was not retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore, and now, there can be a case when he might go unsold, again.

Though, he did well in the Bangladesh Premier League but as said, IPL franchises do not consider the performances of players in other leagues when deciding their team.

Tymal Mills – Mills was the star of the IPL auction 2017 when he drew a contract worth Rs 12 Crore with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but the tall pacer failed to deliver. He could just take five wickets in five games and failed miserably. Taking a lesson from his poor form in IPL 2017, franchises might be reluctant to bid for him.

If he does not go unsold, he is not expected to bag a big amount like the previous year and might get a deal between 3-4 Crore, which would mean a big drop in his price.