The 14th edition of the lucrative Indian Premier League, which is likely to be held in April-May, has begun its build-up. On the same note, the IPL 2021 Auction was held last week.
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While the auction saw some exciting players getting sold, some of the top players remained shockingly unsold. Now, fans are wondering if it is the end of the road for them.(Image courtesy: BCCI)
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Nonetheless, it is to be noted that these players can still be picked up as a replacement for any injured player in the squad. In the same light, we look at the five unsold overseas players who still have a chance.(Image courtesy: BCCI)
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Matthew WadeThe Australian wicketkeeper-batsman was one of the shocking ones to remain unsold. With a base price of ₹1 crore, none of the sides bid for him. However, he is a decent Twenty20 player. While he averages 27.78 in the format, he finished as Australia's highest run-scorer in the Twenty20 Internationals against India. Thus, it could have been a bit harsh on him to remain unsold. While making an impact on Indian conditions is a challenge, he is highly likely to be picked up as a replacement.
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Aaron FinchThe Australian limited-overs skipper has not been in the best of form in the shortest format. While he averages 25.7 in the IPL, he has a good one in the format, of 34.17, besides averaging 36.64 in the T20Is. He severely struggled for Royal Challengers Bangalore last season. However, one bad season hardly defines him, as he is certain to get picked as a replacement, with the base price of ₹1 crore.
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Alex HalesThe English opening batsman averages just 24.7 in the IPL. However, considering his overall performance, he averages 30.19, besides averaging 31.01 in the T20Is. Traditionally, most of the English batsmen have struggled in English conditions, barring Eoin Morgan. However, there is no doubt that he can be a reliable top-order batsman when needed, as one of the teams could still fancy him as a replacement for the base price of ₹1.5 crore.
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Morne MorkelThe South African pacer had a decent stint initially but has faded out since the last couple of seasons. While he has an economy of 7.69 in the competition, it is 7.55 in T20s and 7.50 in T20Is. Also, he managed to claim five wickets in six games for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League 2020-21, besides having an economy of 8.38. Furthermore, known for his unpredictable ability to swing, he can still make an impact in the IPL and for a base price of ₹1.5 crore, he can be a fitting replacement.
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Jason RoyAnother English opener, known for his volcanic hitting abilities. While he averages just 29.8 in eight IPL games, judging by his overall record, he averages 27.76 in T20s and 23.42 in T20Is. Clearly, he has been better in the IPL and almost led his side to the 2016 ICC World T20 win. Nonetheless, he has been highly inconsistent of late. However, judging by his performance in India, there is hardly any doubt that he can still make an impact, as franchises can always rope him as a replacement for ₹2 crore.
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