Best XI from the players sold in the IPL 2017 Auction

The week has started off on a high for cricketing enthusiasts out there after an exciting, thoroughly analyzed, intensely-contested IPL 2017 auction. Franchise owners fought it out tooth and nail for the services of some of the most impressive cricketers currently in the shortest format of the game.

A total of 66 players were awarded contracts by the eight teams and we couldn’t stop ourselves from chalking out one team out of these players. From the 14.5 crore worth Ben Stokes to uncapped Ishank Jaggi who will be paid 10 lakh for the tournament. Here is the combined XI from among the players sold in the auction.

1. Jason Roy (Gujarat Lions) – 1 Crore

Jason Roy didn’t quite find it easy to attract a bid but eventually did manage to get a contract from the Gujarat Lions. His base price of 1 crore was on the higher side given he won’t be available for the business end of the tournament. Once he was bought in the auction he immediately makes it to the XI as well.

His excellent performances against India and ability to smash the ball down the ground helped him big time. Lions who already have the dashing Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith will utilize him in case on of them doesn’t start off the tournament well.

2. Aditya Tare (Delhi Daredevils) – 25 Lakhs

Tare is another pocket dynamo who can compliment Roy at the top of the order. The Mumbai skipper is more than capable of innovative stroke play and scoring tons of runs which is evident from his solid domestic campaign for Mumbai.

The partnership between Roy and Tare is more than can force bowlers to flee away in fear. He is also a safe pair of gloves behind the wickets and is also the wicketkeeper of the team. Tare has a calm head on his shoulders and that gives him an edge to rise on top in situations when the opposition mounts some pressure.

3. Ishank Jaggi (Kolkata Knight Riders) – 10 Lakhs

The 28-year-old Jharkhand batsman Ishank Jaggi has set the stage on fire this season with his sublime stroke play and mature performances with the willow. Jaggi has gone from strength to strength ever since he made his debut in the 2002-03 Polly Umrigar Trophy.

He is more than capable of guiding the innings in case of an early breakthrough along with the ability to clear the fence more often than not which is evident from his high strike rate this season. At 10 lakh he was a steal deal for KKR.

4. Manoj Tiwary (Rising Pune Supergiants) – 50 Lakhs

The 31-year-old right-hand batsman from Bengal is the perfect candidate for the no 4 spot. Manoj has delivered impressive performances over the years and missed out on representing India because of nothing but sheer bad luck.

He possesses the ability to up the tempo and adapts himself to changing conditions which makes his addition a no-brainer. He is also a handy leg-spinner and can break partnerships for the team. Tiwary who leads Bengal in domestic cricket was picked by RPS for his base price 50 lakhs. 

5. Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiants) – 14.5 Crore

Ben Stokes needs no introduction. The Englishman has earned a solid reputation at a very tender age with his big-hitting and economical bowling performances. Be it the role of a solid marauding batsman or an effective bowler for the middle overs, Stokes can do it all.

He was the most expensive pick in the auction for the reputation he earned having done well on the tour of India. Stokes took a cheque worth 14.5 crores from the Rising Pune Supergiants. He is someone who can be trusted to come good with both bat and ball in almost all situations and that justifies his worth.

6. Eklavya Dwivedi (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 75 Lakhs

Having done well for his state side Uttar Pradesh in the last domestic season Eklavya Dwivedi earned a contract from Suresh Raina led Gujarat Lions. He didn’t get many opportunities and couldn’t make the most of what came his way, as a result he was released by the franchise.

The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Allahabad has been a consistent performer in the domestic season and is capable of scoring the required runs in any situation whatsoever which has earned him a slot in the side. Dwivedi is known for his classy gameplay and run scoring ability at minimum risk.

7. Rashid Khan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 4 Crore

Youngster Rashid Khan impressed fans and experts alike with his spectacular performances for Afghanistan at the tender age of 18. Rashid enjoys the ability to bowl a lot of variations and vary the line and length according to the situation which helps him deceive the batsman.

He became the second Afghan player after Mohammad Nabi to earn a contract. Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad were willing to shell out 4 crores to ensure he plays for their team in the upcoming season.

8. K. Gowtham (Mumbai Indians) – 2 Crore

Allrounder Krishnappa Gowtham led Karnataka’s charge in the Ranji Trophy this season and finished as the highest wicket-taker for the side. He was thus rewarded with a spot in the India A team that played a warm-up match against the touring Australia team.

His stunning performances against Australia in the warm-up match earned him a lot of acclaims. Mumbai Indians opted to invest 2 crores for his services which might turn out to be a very wise decision considering his form this season.

9. Aniket Choudhury (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 2 Crore

The 27-year-old who represents Rajasthan made heads turn with his impressive performances for India A against Bangladesh claiming 4 wickets at an economical rate. His ability to generate pace and bounce makes him a vital weapon for any side.

Aniket the left-arm seamer was also picked to help the Indian team prepare against Aussie left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc. He has snapped 124 wickets in just 39 first-class matches at an astonishing average of 27.44 which is pretty exciting indeed. At 2 crore he was a good buy for RCB.

10. T Natarajan (Kings XI Punjab) – 3 Crore

T Natarajan who hails from a humble background is one of the most exciting pace bowlers currently in the format. His ability to bowl Yorkers with archer-like accuracy and consistency makes him a great asset for any franchise and for team India.

He rose to fame with his performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) where he stunned most batsmen with his ability to bowl cutters at some decent pace. Many hail him as India’s answer to Mustafizur Rahim which is an indication of his glowing reputation. KXIP quite willingly paid 3 crores for him.

11 Tymal Mills (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 12 Crore

The T20 specialist from England enjoys the ability to clock up most his deliveries in the 90 mph range and that has earned him a lot of wickets. A back injury at the age of 22 threatened his career and restricted his involvement in the formats of the game.

Ever since that moment, he has gone from strength to strength and has recently impressed in the away series against India which earned him a 12 crore bid from RCB. Mills is Bangalore’s replacement for Starc and has a similar ability to bowl disguised and tough to hit, change in pace delivery as well.

Also read- 5 Experienced players who remained unsold in the IPL 2017 auction