The time of the year has arrived when all 8 franchises look to rebuild their teams for the next season of IPL.
Auctions depend on various factors such as team combination, home conditions, remaining funds and availability of foreign players. After the setbacks from the previous season, the focus shifts to jotting out a clear plan for the next one.
Auctions for 2020 IPL season is scheduled on December 19. For the last 5 years, Bengaluru was hosting the IPL auctions. But this year BCCI has decided to host the IPL in the 'City of Joy' Kolkata.
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, VIVO IPL 2020 auctions is not going to be as big as previous ones as franchises are disbanding from the next year and they will prepare to assemble a fresh squad for 2021 mega auctions.
Previously in 2018, with the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, mega auctions took place and teams were allowed to retain 5 valuable players. Ben Stokes, Jaydev Unadkat, KL Rahul and Manish Pandey were the biggest buys.
For IPL 2020, teams look settled but not perfect. Teams will look forward to strengthening themselves.
BCCI haven't announced the list of players who have registered for IPL 2020 yet.
List of players who could prove to be the top buyers for IPL 2020
1) Jason Roy
Explosive opening batsman, and the catalyst for England's turnaround in ICC world cup 2019. Previously he played for Delhi Daredevils in 2018 and Gujarat Lions in 2017. For the 2019 season he opted to stay away from IPL to concentrate on World Cup. He was missed in IPL 2019 as he is known for his devastating batting.
With two T20 world cups coming around he will be watching the 2020 auctions very closely. He will be one of the hottest properties at the IPL auction 2020. He has got all the skills to make an impact in any condition.
In total he played 32 T20 matches and scored 743 runs with a strike rate of 145.12.
2) Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins who is doing exceptionally well for Australia for over the last 2 years is all set to return to IPL in 2020. Cummins who has played 16 IPL matches will prove to be an integral part of any team he is selected for. Previously he has played for Delhi daredevils, Kolkata Knight Rides and Mumbai Indians.
3) Glenn Maxwell
One of the greatest T20 batsmen is returning to IPL in 2020. He made his IPL debut in 2012 and has been a proven entertainer in the game. He has played for Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab.
Last few season did not go well for Maxwell, but this does not take anything from him. As he will always remain valuable for the team. Indian fans will be eagerly waiting for his return in IPL 2020.
He has played 69 IPL games as scored 1317 runs with a strike rate of 161.13.
4) Aaron Finch
Aaron Finch is a gigantic name in the world of T20 cricket. In IPL, he has been one of the most consistent foreign openers and an insatiable run-scorer for the various sides he has played.
He has already featured in 5 IPL teams - Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals, Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians and was a part of Gujarat Lions' squad.
With world cup, around he stayed out of the IPL 2019. He will be returning for the world's biggest T20 league.
In total he has played 75 IPL matches and scored 1737 runs with a strike rate of 130.7.
5) Eoin Morgan
England's limited over captain is another big name who is set to return for IPL in 2020. His craftiness, innovation and improvisation was missed in the 12th edition of the IPL. Previously Morgan has played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab.
Later this year, he broke the record for scoring most sixes in an innings. He smashed 17 sixes, surpassing Chris Gayle's record of 16.
In total Morgan has played 81 T20 internationals and 52 IPL games where he has scored 1810 and 854 runs respectively.
Many teams will be looking to solidify their middle order with the England captain.
List of probable players who could be released
Carlos Braithwaite, Jaydev Undakat, Varun Chakravarthy, Barinder Sran, Shivam Dubey, and Colin Ingram are the list of probables who failed to do justice to their bided prices owing to which the franchises will be left with no option but to release these players.
Transfer Window
In July BCCI opened a transfer window for all 8 franchise in which they are free to trade their players with the other franchise and this window will end on 14th November.
Mayank Markande was the first player to be traded for IPL 2020.
Mumbai Indians traded Mayank for Delhi's Sherfane Rutherford.
There were also speculation that R. Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane could be traded to Delhi Capitals. But unfortunately both the franchise couldn't negotiate.
Budget remaining
Delhi Capitals have the biggest balance - INR 8.2 crore, followed by Rajasthan Royals - INR 7.15 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 6.05 crore), Sunrisers Hyderabad (INR 5.3 crore), Kings XI Punjab (INR 3.7 crore), Chennai Super Kings (INR 3.2 crore), defending champions Mumbai Indians (INR 3.05 crore) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (INR 1.8 crore).
