Banton is a hot asset of T20 format currently and franchises are eyeing for him.
England's Tom Banton has been in the talks this year for his majestic batting display in the shortest format. The way he approaches his innings and plays the big hits with ease, it brought him into the limelight.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction is going to be held in December and eyes will be on the bid for Banton. A lot of franchises would be eying the explosive English batsman. But the man himself wants Mumbai Indians to pick him.
“Playing in the IPL has been a dream from a very young age. You see the big crowds and the attention it has. I am in the IPL auction this year (December 19), so fingers crossed somebody picks me,” Banton told ESPNCricinfo.
He added, “As a kid, I have always loved watching Mumbai Indians. Then I had the good fortune of playing at the Wankhede for the England U-19 team. There was tremendous support at the ground then, even though we lost 5-0.”
As per reports of Daily Mail, Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings showed interest in the player. They checked his availability for the tournament.
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MI released Evin Lewis, while CSK let Sam Billings go and now they want to fill their place with the latest T20 sensation.
The 21-year-old made his international debut for England against New Zealand earlier this month. He also smashed a 28-ball 80 during Abu Dhabi 10 league. “Never thought I would have such a year at the start of 2019. I suppose once you are on a roll, you cannot stop,” Banton said about his form this year.
Banton was in outstanding form during Vitality T20 Blast. He scored 549 runs with an average of 42.33 and a strike rate of 161.43.
(WITH ESPNCRICINFO INPUTS)