De Kock on IPL teams’ radar
New Delhi: Virender Sehwag’s string of poor scores in domestic cricket is likely to affect his chances of bagging a lucrative deal in the IPL 7 as it looks highly unlikely that he will be retained by his current franchise Delhi Daredevils.
The eight existing teams need to submit their Player Retention List by January 10.
However talented left-handers – South Africa’s Quinton de Kock along with the latest batting sensation from New Zealand, Corey Anderson – are two players who are likely to fetch a substantial amount during the next month’s IPL auction.
Sehwag has been with the Delhi franchise from the first edition as an icon player and has subsequently been retained throughout.
A poor IPL season last time and only 234 runs in 13 innings in the Ranji Trophy at less than 19.50 leaves Daredevils with little option but to send the ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ back to the auction pool.
“Supposedly, [if] the Daredevils goes for retention, Sehwag will either be bought for Rs 12.5 crore or Rs 9.5 crore as the GMR group-owned franchise logically doesn’t have a reason to retain more than two players as it will affect their purse of Rs 60 allotted to buy a full squad,” a top IPL official said.
“Retaining an in-form David Warner looks more viable option although Daredevils might just look to start afresh after their horrible run last season”, the official said.
The question remains whether coach Gary Kirsten, who is likely to have a final say in cricketing matters along with top management, will shell out that sum for a player whose retention is nothing more than a gamble at this stage.
Kirsten, India’s most successful chief national coach may like to start his IPL journey with a clean slate.
The 35-year-old India discard is no longer a certainty even in the shortest format considering his current form, which has taken a nosedive.
Delhi have the option of buying Sehwag back at a significantly lower price using their ‘Right To Match’ card but the question remains whether Sehwag will like to play at a lower salary.
In the earlier editions, players like VVS Laxman have lowered their base price and the buzz is that Sehwag might have to lower his in order to keep the interest of the franchises.
As far as the auctions are concerned, de Kock will certainly be one of the hottest picks after his hat-trick of ODI centuries against India; he can also double as a wicketkeeper.
Anderson is another man who is supposed to grab the eye-balls after his breathtaking 36-ball-100 for New Zealand against the West Indies on New Year’s day.
South African Richard Levi was signed by Mumbai Indians before the last edition after he scored the fastest T20 International ton in 45 balls against New Zealand, but MI had an advantage as there was no auction last year. With the auctions on in 2014, Anderson could be one of the most sought-after players in IPL. (PTI)