IPL 2021: One player each franchise must target in upcoming IPL auction

The IPL 2021 auction will take place on Feb 18 in Chennai.

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS (CSK) – STEVE SMITH

Steve Smith | AFPChennai Super Kings are hampered with the retirement of their amazing opener Shane Watson. Watson helped them won IPL 2018 and almost won them the IPL in 2019. Now they are tasked with replacing him and with all of their other batsmen being on the wrong side of 30, they need someone to carry them for the next 5-7 years.

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Therefore, CSK must target Steve Smith of Australia. Smith opens the innings and CSK has enough firepower to compliment his style of batting at the other end.

Also, MS Dhoni is well-versed with his batting and leadership style, having played with him for Rising Pune Supergiant. Smith might very well take over from Dhoni as captain of the team when the time comes and is a very good option CSK must look to get in the auction.


KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS (KKR) – DAWID MALAN

Dawid Malan | GettyKolkata Knight Riders have had run their course with Sunil Narine opening the innings and with them releasing Tom Banton as well, KKR is on the lookout for a new opener as well to partner Shubman Gill.  And the best player they must target in the IPL 2021 auction is England’s Dawid Malan.

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Dawid Malan is the no.1 ranked batsman in ICC’s T20I rankings and is a massive attraction in other foreign leagues as well. He has an excellent record in places like Bangladesh and Pakistan where spinners rule the roost and hence will be a perfect fit in the KKR unit, bringing in freshness to the team as well.

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 30 Jan, 2021

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