IPL 2023 Auction: Sanjay Manjrekar Picks Ben Stokes As The Hottest Property At The IPL Auction 2023

Even though the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise has severed ties with New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise has released India opener Mayank Agarwal, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes the batting stars will be outbid by a T20 World Cup 2022 hero at the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction for the 2023 season.

The former Indian batter has dubbed an England player the “hottest property” in the IPL 2023 auction. All-rounder Ben Stokes re-established his credentials as one of the game’s greatest clutch performers by guiding England to T20 World Cup glory in the 2022 edition of the showpiece event.

The Englishman delivered a gutsy knock to help Jos Buttler and Co. defeat Babar Azam’s Pakistan in the low-scoring final on Sunday at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Ben Stokes Is A Match Winner: Sanjay Manjrekar

After missing the IPL 2022 season, Stokes is expected to make an impact in the upcoming season. The former Rajasthan Royals (RR) star is expected to fetch a high price at the mini-auction. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Stokes will be the first choice in the IPL 2023 auction.

 “Ben Stokes, straight away. No. 1 (hottest property). He is a match-winner. If you make it to the playoffs, the big stage. These are the people who come to the party.” Sanjay Manjrekar told Star Sports.  

Sam Curran Has A Lot Of Asian Quality In The Way He Bowls: Sanjay Manjrekar

Sam Curran, Stokes’ colleague, is also anticipated to secure a lucrative contract during the IPL auction. Curran was selected Player of the Match in the final of the T20 World Cup 2022. In Australia, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player was also named Player of the Tournament. 

“Sam Curran is a very interesting English player who has a lot of Asian quality in the way he bowls. So he would ideally be picked by a team that is going to play a lot of home games where the bounce is a little low and the pitch is a bit slow.

That is why CSK used him beautifully when he had a big season with them. That would be a consideration,” Sanjay Manjrekar added. 

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