As the player auction for the 2016 edition of the Indian Premier League is scheduled today, here's mid-day's 10 picks for the players draft that the two new teams - Pune and Rajkot - will want to acquire
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni
IPL matches: 129 Runs: 2,986 Avg: 39.29
Pune, who have the right to pick the first player, will in all probability gun for the legendary India skipper. Dhoni's poor form in the on-going Vijay Hazare Trophy is not going to be a concern, especially when it comes to the class and calibre of the Ranchi hero.
MS Dhoni. Pic/AFP
Ravichandran Ashwin
M: 97 W: 90 Avg: 24.22
Ravichandran Ashwin's variations are proving to be too difficult for the batsmen to read. The South Africans were the latest to experience them. Ashwin's ability to play some big shots makes him a player with a deadly combination of skills.
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Suresh Raina
M: 132 R: 3699 Avg: 34.25 W: 24 Avg: 38.67
No batsman in the IPL has been as successful as Suresh Raina. His ability to clear the ball at will, his part-time spin bowling and athletic fielding gives him an edge over other Indian capped players. His consistency is another factor.
Steven Smith
M: 46 R: 961 Avg: 34.32
Steven Smith is one of the most street-smart cricketers around. His astute leadership at Rajasthan Royals in the last IPL was widely appreciated despite being knocked out in the Eliminator. Cricket Australia too was convinced that he is their next leader.
Ravindra Jadeja
M: 111 R: 1383 Avg: 23.44
W: 67 Avg: 27.55
The recent SA Test series proved to be a fine comeback for Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner made his way back into the team after a heavy duty show in the first three Ranji Trophy matches. In Rajkot's conditions, he's a nightmare for batsmen.
Dwayne Bravo
M: 91 R: 1163 Avg: 24.74 W: 105 Avg: 21.53
The West Indian was one of the most successful players for CSK in the last IPL, claiming 26 wickets. Bravo's electrifying fielding and big hitting compliments his fine bowling. He also had a decent outing for the Dolphins in the Ram Slam T20 tourney in SA.
Faf du Plessis
M: 45 R: 1081 Avg: 30.03
The South African all-rounder is a dangerous prospect in limited overs cricket. The Indian team had a first-hand experience in the recent ODI series where he scored three consecutive half-centuries and a hundred. He played a pivotal role in CSK reaching the final of IPL 2015.
Ajinkya Rahane
M: 81 R: 2195 Avg: 33.77
Ajinkya Rahane's ability to quickly adapt to different formats and flexibility at various batting positions makes him a hot property. His fine run with the Indian team and stupendous show while opening for RR in the last IPL makes him a fine prospect.
Brendon McCullum
M: 76 R: 2080 Avg: 29.30
The New Zealander would be one of the most preferred choices of the two teams today. And why not? McCullum's shrewd cricketing brain, his ability to brutally hit the cricket ball and a fine pair of hands behind the wicket are crucial for T20 success.
Chris Morris
M: 27 R: 90 Avg: 22.50 W: 27 Avg: 26.37
If any team looking for a utility player, then they don't need to look beyond Chris Morris. The SA pacer can be a very handy T20 player, glimpses of which were shown in the last IPL where the RR all-rounder scored 76 runs & claimed 13 wickets.
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