Team-wise one bowler who can be traded ahead of IPL 2021 auction

The thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was one of its kind. For the very first time, the tournament was conducted in an alien atmosphere. No fans, a virtual sound system to provide a feeling of a packed stadium, and many more features were added. The players had to practice within their bio-bubble and multiple players called off their campaign even before the tournament kicked off.

However, when one lists down the ranking of different editions of IPL in terms of quality of competition, the thirteenth edition will be ranked at the top. Close matches, multiple Super Overs in a single game, and three Super Overs in one day! These are some of the events that took place in IPL 2020. Apart from that, the previous edition also witnessed some unusual scenes. For the very first time, CSK was unable to qualify for the playoffs. Finally, their experience failed to push them into the top four of the table.

As we move ahead to another season of the IPL, the main focus will be on the auction. The analysts will try every combination of pen and paper to increase their chances of winning. However, another aspect of IPL that is overlooked by the fans is trading amongst the teams. Yes, players are traded from one team to another and sometimes, this trade factor works wonders for the teams.

Here is the list of team-wise one bowler who can be traded ahead of the IPL 2021 auction

1. Avesh Khan (Delhi Capitals)

The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League was a memorable one for the Delhi Capitals. For the first time, they managed to reach the final of the most popular T20 league. For most of the time, the team relied on their pace attack and the pair of Rabada and Anrich made sure that the opposition struggled to get a quickfire start. However, things turned upside down whenever the pace duo leaked runs.

Delhi Capitals lost their winning momentum during the final phase of the group stage. Later on, they were comfortably defeated by the eventual champions, the Mumbai Indians. Even though they managed to beat the Sunrisers, they failed to put the Mumbai batting line-up under pressure. Most probably, they might look forward to work with the same batting line up. But, they have to find some backup options.

For Avesh Khan, the thirteenth edition was a forgetful one. He played one match for the Capitals and was taken to the stands. His economy might not help him to get into the playing eleven as it is very high for a frontline bowler (10.50). However, he might redeem himself by joining the Kolkata Knight Riders. A team that backs its fast bowlers, Eoin Morgan’s captaincy can help him to grow as a fast bowler. Talking about the trade, KKR can bring in Avesh in place of M Siddharth.

2. Mitchell McClenaghan (Mumbai Indians) 

The Mumbai Indians had a terrific IPL season. Adding on, the team was not affected by the absence of their regular skipper Rohit Sharma. As the tournament progressed, the team found new match winners. They decimated every opposition and the matches they lost were close encounters (except against SRH). Now, as they move ahead to the next edition and auction, the coaches have a solid team to work with.

The Mumbai based franchise does not need any sort of changes to their side. Given the fact that a player like Mitchell McClenaghan has to warm the benches along with Chris Lynn, one might consider that they are the strongest T20 team. Now, if the coaching department wants some changes, it is of no doubt that they can trade Mitchell McClenaghan for a new face. The left-arm fast bowler was never used in the playing eleven. Although being a good player for MI, he was never included in the playing eleven.

In the twelfth edition, he got few chances and it looks like the MI management needs a fresh face to further strengthen their bench strength. Teams like SRH can look forward to including him into their squad as SRH suffered heavily due to a lack of senior players as they were injured during the early phases of the tournament. Mitchell McClenaghan has an overall economy rate of 8.49 and has taken 71 wickets in 56 IPL matches. Therefore MI can trade him for Hardus Viljoen of KXIP to strengthen their bowling attack.

3. Pawan Negi (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Pawan Negi belongs to a group of spinners who were overshadowed over the years. He is a left-arm slow-bowler who can bowl his full quota of four overs and can bat as a middle-order batsman. Initially, he came into recognition after a whopping 8.5 crores deal with the Delhi Daredevils during the 2016 auctions. But, this amount was more of a pressure on the uncapped Indian spinner.

During his stint with CSK, Negi performed as per the team requirements. Whenever needed, he used to hit some lusty blows and took vital wickets during the middle overs. But a change in the team was never helpful for Negi as he was not included in the playing eleven regularly. During the thirteenth edition, he was never considered as the second spinner by Virat Kohli, and therefore, it is clear that a change in the team might be on the cards.

As CSK is looking for a lower-order batsman to assist Jadeja and Curran, Negi might act as a triumph card for Dhoni. As Harbhajan and Tahir might not be a part of CSK management’s plan, Negi can be Dhoni’s second spinner. Therefore, RCB might look forward to adding a spinner in the form of CSK’s Karn Sharma. Sharma was Kohli’s choice during the famous Adelaide Test in 2014. Therefore, Kohli might give Sharma enough chances to redeem himself.

4. Karn Sharma (Chennai Super Kings)

The previous edition of the IPL was disastrous for the Chennai Super Kings. A failure to qualify for the playoffs resulted in changes to their playing eleven. Now, as the team moves ahead to change its core group, it is time to have a fresh group of spinners who can assist Ravindra Jadeja. MS Dhoni is well known as a captain who likes to attack with spin, therefore the management might look for new faces during the trade and auction season.

Karn Sharma’s IPL career has been lukewarm. He was overlooked by the CSK management team as he was included in the playing eleven for five matches only. During the 2020th season, he took 5 wickets with an economy rate of 8.68. However, with Jadeja cementing his place in the national and IPL side, Sharma’s role in the squad looks unclear.

As he is a leg spinner who can bat down the order, much like Jadeja, the Chennai Super Kings might look for trade by letting Sharma join another franchise. As CSK is lacking a proper off-spinner, they might look for a bowling all-rounder in the form of Pawan Negi. Dhoni has captained the left-arm spinner and the Chennai management might look forward to including him in their playing eleven.

5. M Siddharth (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kolkata Knight Riders are home to multiple fast bowlers and world-class spinners. However, poor management and team combination meant that the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. But, they can look forward to making an impact in the upcoming editions by working with the same squad. With a world cup winning captain, the team can find their perfect playing eleven and make it to the playoffs.

With Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav, KKR’s spin department looks well settled. Also, Varun Chakravarthy’s rise to the top and inclusion into the Indian squad ( he was replaced due to injury) means he will be the team’s third spinner. So, for a player like Manimaran Siddharth, there might be no place in the playing eleven. The left-arm spinner made his T20 debut for Tamil Nadu during the 2019-20 season of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

For a 22-year-old spinner, he needs to get as much exposure as possible. But with a packed KKR line up, his inclusion seems very unlikely. Siddharth might be useful for the Delhi Capitals, a team that has only one frontline spinner. His time under the likes of Ricky Ponting and Ravi Ashwin can help him to grow as a cricketer. Adding on, he might get a few games that will help him to get exposure to the grandest stage of T20 cricket. Talking about KKR, they can replace Siddharth with Avesh to strengthen their fast bowling department.

6. Siddharth Kaul (Sunrisers Hyderabad) 

The Hyderabad-based franchise suffered due to the absence of experienced players as they were injured during the initial phase of the tournament. Even though Jason Holder managed to fill the spot of Mitch Marsh, Siddharth Kaul was overshadowed by exceptional performances by T. Natarajan. Because of a combined team effort, the SRH managed to reach the second qualifier. 

As David Warner has backed Natarajan as their leading pacer, the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar will make the SRH bowling much stronger. This means that the team might not require the services of Siddharth Kaul. Kaul was exceptional for Sunrisers during the 2018 season, but his form declined and during the previous season, he was hammered for 664 runs off his four overs.

An economy rate of 16 meant he had to be replaced with Natarajan for the whole season. Adding on, Jason Holder’s all-round skills make him a top contender for the third pacer in the team. Therefore, it is time to let off Kaul and look forward to new options. SRH might look to trade Kaul to bring Oshane Thomas into their side. A fast and accurate overseas player might serve as the best backup option for SRH. 

7. Hardus Viljoen (Kings XI Punjab)

Kings XI Punjab was the most entertaining side during the previous edition of the IPL. They were the only team to be involved in a double super over and a super over during the season. Even after a poor start, they managed to make a comeback later in the season. However, there are many gaps to fill for the Punjab based franchise. 

Hardus Viljoen was never included in the playing eleven as KL Rahul went with Chris Jordan’s ability to smoke a few into the stands and bowl his four overs. Viljoen has had few chances in the international and IPL stage. Till now, he has played in six matches and has an economy rate of 9.65. Even though KXIP managed to make a comeback, they can look forward to including a bowler who can bat down the order.

Therefore the best option available for KXIP is Mitchell McClenaghan. The New Zealander can bowl economically can take early wickets as he did for the Mumbai Indians. As Viljoen looks for redemption, he might join Mumbai Indians. The Mumbai based franchise likes to have a strong pace attack. With Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult in the squad, it can be a useful learning experience for Viljoen.

8. Oshane Thomas (Rajasthan Royals) 

Rajasthan Royals’ bowling lineup has big names like Jofra Archer and Varun Aaron. As the team also includes international stars like Steven Smith, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler, it is very difficult to replace them in the playing XI. Also, the team has a proper bowling all-rounder in the form of Tom Curran. Therefore for a talented fast bowler like Oshane Thomas, it is time to look to settle in a new franchise.

The tall fast bowler made a name for himself during the 2018 West Indies tour of India. He swung the ball at an express pace and troubled the highly-rated Indian batsmen. However, this raw pace was never utilized by Steve Smith. An economy rate of 7.90 with the best bowling figures of 2/6 in four matches speaks of his talent that is unutilized.

But, we can’t blame the management for this as Rajasthan has one of the best fast bowlers in the world at the moment. As Jofra Archer continues to terrorize batsmen and provide some lusty blows down the order, it is time for Thomas to find a new franchise. Oshane Thomas might find himself in the playing eleven for Sunrisers Hyderabad if there is a trade. On the other hand, the Jaipur-based franchise might look to strengthen their Indian bowling lineup by including Siddharth Kaul.