IPL 2023: 5 uncapped Indian players to watch out for in the auction

The IPL 2023 auction will take place on December 23 in Kochi.

The IPL 2023 auction is set to happen on December 23 in Kochi and on December 13, the IPL authorities announced that 405 players had been shortlisted to go under the hammer.

Initially, a total of 369 players were shortlisted by 10 teams from the initial list of 991 players. Thirty-six more players were added to the final list as requested by teams, which makes a total of 405 players.

Out of the shortlisted players, 273 are Indians and 132 are overseas players of which 4 players are from associate nations. The total number of capped players is 119, uncapped players are 282, and 4 are from associate nations.

IPL 2023: 5 overseas players who might be the most expensive buys in IPL 16 auction

A total of 87 slots are now available with up to 30 being slotted for overseas players.

The IPL has always been a great platform for youngsters to showcase their skills and impress enough to try and break the doors of the Indian team.

Keeping this in mind, Team COC presents to you the 5 uncapped Indian players who can find big buyers in the IPL 2023 auction

PRERAK MANKAD

Prerak Mankad has already tasted what it feels like to be in an IPL franchise dugout as he was part of the Punjab Kings outfit in IPL 2022, but was released ahead of IPL 2023 auction. However, he has been one of the cornerstones of the Saurashtra batting unit for some time now.

WATCH- 'Current generation players not like Rohit or Kohli'- Brad Hogg says IPL affecting Indian cricket

His T20 record is impressive with 877 runs in 42 matches at a strike rate of 142.60. He can also bowl medium pace and has 22 wickets in T20s. He has picked 38 scalps in 53 List-A matches to go with 1535 runs in the 50-over format.

He can be a very good backup to any top-order batter and is expected to find a home in the IPL 2023 auction.

SHIVAM MAVI

24-year-old Shivam Mavi was one of the finds of India’s U19 World Cup win in 2018 and then was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL that season and played 9 matches to take 5 wickets. However, he spent a better part of the year rehabbing from an injury and missed the IPL 2019.

IPL 2023 auction list announced; 405 cricketers set to go under the hammer

He came back strong picking up 9 and 11 wickets in IPL 2020 and 2021 respectively. But his outings in IPL 2022 proved too expensive with the economy of 10.32 in 6 matches he played for 5 wickets. KKR parted ways with him after IPL 2022.

But he is fast and capable enough to get better and a prospect in which any IPL franchise might want to invest in going forward. He will be a good pick for any side putting their money into buying him in IPL 2023 auction.

VAIBHAV ARORA

Vaibhav Arora hails from Himachal Pradesh and was first picked by KKR in IPL 2021 auction. But he got a chance to play in the Indian Premier League for Punjab Kings, who bought him in the IPL 2022 mega auction.

He played 5 matches and picked three wickets which included the likes of Moeen Ali and Robin Uthappa. The right-arm pacer impressed one and all with his aggression and skiddy pace as well.

WATCH: Rahul Dravid reacts as Allan Donald issues public apology to India head coach for ugly behaviour in 1997

He has enough experience for HP in domestic cricket with 9 FC, 10 List-A, and 24 T20 matches. Arora caught the attention of people who matter in his maiden outing in the IPL and will look forward to many more chances with possibly the same or a new franchise in the IPL 2023 auction.

NARAYAN JAGADEESAN

N Jagadeesan was part of the Chennai Super Kings outfit for a decently long time and played 7 matches as well, scoring 73 runs. However, his association with the MS Dhoni-led side ended as he was released ahead of the IPL 2023 auction.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022: N Jagadeesan shatters List-A records; makes 277 in TN’s 506/2 against Arunachal

And then he had a monstrous season in the Vijay Hazare Trophy when he scored 830 runs in 8 matches with 5 centuries and a world record List-A score of 277. He looked a man possessed to impress one and all and did a good job of it.

Jagadeesan is also a wicketkeeper and has scored 1064 runs in 51 T20 matches, but given the kind of form he is in, franchises will be eager to bring him into their side and exploit his skills to their benefit.  

 KS BHARAT

KS Bharat is perhaps one of the best wicketkeepers in India right now and has been part of the Indian side for quite some time now. He has been a lynchpin of the Andhra Pradesh batting unit with impressive numbers and showed that he could hit the big shots as well.

This came when he finally got a chance to showcase his skills for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2021, when he scored 191 runs in 8 matches, opening the batting with the highest score of 78*. He was very impressive with the bat and excellent behind the stumps.

‘As long as I am working hard, I am happy’- KS Bharat; speaks on benefits of India A matches

Unfortunately, he found himself released from RCB before IPL 2022 in which Delhi Capitals bought him, and he only got 2 matches to play. But with Rishabh Pant being their main keeper and captain, Bharat was let go ahead of IPL 2023 auction as well.

There are franchises that require a keeper who can double up as an opener also and Bharat fits perfectly in that role as he has shown glimpses of his aggressive batting.