Bidding war for imports likely

With 10 franchises looking to strengthen their sides, an interesting day awaits at the auction

- GOMESH

EVERY TIME a mini auction comes along in the Indian Premier League, the pattern has been similar. Unless there is a star India international going under the hammer, more often than not, it's been the overseas all-rounders who have had a big payday. Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Chris Morris, Glenn Maxwell, the list goes on.

As the ten teams get ready to fill the gaps in the squad in the auction that is set to happen in Dubai on Tuesday, the picture seems a little different. Most teams have their captains set, unless there is some last-minute trade or change of guard, their core players remain the same, have the top-order set even as they look for an upgrade, and will look to fill a role or two in the auction while trying to get hold of some exciting uncapped talents in the country. Add the player pool that is available and the Impact Player rule, unlike the past, it will be the overseas fast bowlers who are expected to make the franchises break the bank.