Despite the 7:4 composition in the line-up, overseas cricketers add to the sheen of the Indian Premier League (IPL). From Chris Gayle to A.B. de Villiers, star foreign batters have been the league’s USP. As the countdown begins for the IPL 2022 mega auction, let us look at six foreign who could be valuable picks.
David Warner (Australia) | Base Price: INR 2 crores
In IPL: M 150 | R 5,449 | Ave 41.6 | SR 140 | 50+ 54
IPL Champion: 2016
Pros:
- Helped Australia win their first-ever T20 World Cup last year. Was Player of the Tournament.
- Brings a wealth of experience and is arguably the greatest opener in IPL history, having won the Orange Cap thrice.
- Good leadership option, having led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a title triumph in 2016.
Cons:
- At 35, age is not on his side. Franchises typically focus on building a squad for at least three years.
- One of controversy’s favourite children, Warner also has a knack for making news for the wrong reasons. His tenure didn’t end well with SRH, who stripped him of captaincy and dropped him.
- Since IPL 2020, his strike rate has been only 126.
Teams that could eye Warner: Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings.
Quinton de Kock (South Africa) | Base Price: INR 2 crores
In IPL: M 77 | R 2,256 | Ave 31.3 | SR 130.9 | 50+ 17
IPL Champion: 2019, 2020
Pros:
- Apart from being an explosive opener, de Kock is a fine wicketkeeper, making him an asset for any side.
- Only 29 yet experienced, he is in form and has retired from Tests to solely focus on white-ball cricket. He may end up owning the IPL 2022.
Cons:
- Off form in IPL 2021 was one of the prime reasons for Mumbai Indians’ (MI) dismal show last season.
Teams that could eye de Kock: KKR, GT, SRH, PBKS, Chennai Super Kings
Jonny Bairstow (England) | Base Price: INR 1.5 crores
In IPL: M 28 | R 1,038 | Ave 41.5 | SR 142.2 | 50+ 8
Pros:
- Among the best openers in T20 cricket, a power-hitter who can control an innings.
- Consistent run-getter
- Keeps wickets
Cons:
- Can be the batting leader but usually plays second fiddle throughout the season.
- At times, his bad patches are prolonged, and such habits can hurt a side.
Teams that could eye Bairstow: KKR, GT, SRH, PBKS, CSK, SRH
Read More: Part 1 (2008-12) | Part 2 (2013-17) | Part 3 (2018-21)
Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) | Base Price: INR 1.5 crores
In IPL: M 33 | R 606 | Ave 22.4 | SR 155 | 50+ 2
Pros:
- Can explode at will
- Keeps wickets
- Batters usually begin to peak in their late 20s. At 26, Pooran experienced and confident, and may be among the most valuable players in this phase of the IPL.
- Can be used as a floater in the line-up.
Cons:
- Inconsistent
- Appears confident but gives the impression that he does not learn quickly from mistakes
Teams that could eye Pooran: SRH, KKR, GT, RCB
Alex Hales (England) | Base Price: INR 1.5 crores
In IPL: M 1 | R 1 | Ave 24.7 | SR 125.4
Pros:
- Among the best T20 players of this generation
- A power-hitter, he can also play the long innings
- His strike rate of 146 is extraordinary over a span exceeding 300 T20s. It’s time he gets his due in the IPL.
Cons:
- Has very little IPL experience.
- For some reason, IPL franchises do not seem to like him.
- No alien to controversies that have kept him out of the national side.
Teams that could eye Hales: SRH, DC, KKR, GT, RCB, CSK, LSG.
Tim David (Singapore) | Base Price: INR 40 lakhs
In IPL: M 1 | R 1
Pros:
- Base price of INR 40 lakhs
- Very aggressive batter who averages 35 and strikes at over 158 across more than 80 T20 games
- Has the potential to be a face of a franchise and the next superstar in the league
Cons:
- Lack of IPL experience.
Teams that could eye David: RCB, SRH, DC, MI, KKR, GT.
Notable mentions: Shimron Hetmyer (WI), Faf du Plessis (South Africa), Evin Lewis (West Indies)