The upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 is expected to be a bit more entertaining with the addition of two new franchises. The 10-team mega event will also witness a mega-auction where a majority of players contracted with franchises will be back in the auction pool.
All franchises would be looking to add some potential all-rounders in their squad who are crucial in the shortest format of cricket. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five overseas all-rounders in T20 cricket who can attract the IPL team owners in the mega-auction.
Odean Smith (Base Price INR 1 Crore)
West Indian star all-rounder, Odean Smith who recently made his debut for West Indies will be one of the top picks among all-rounders at the IPL 2022 mega-auction.
The Jamaican hogged limelight when he ripped Chris Gayle's bat with his fast delivery during the second semi-final of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2021 against St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots.
The 25-year-old, who can clock 150 kmph with ease, is known for his explosive batting skills as well. One of the best samples of his batting prowess was seen against Ireland when he smashed Joshua Little, the Irish bowler, for a monstrous 84-metre six in the deep extra cover region and it hit the standing car of Sheldon Cottrell, leaving a dent on it.
Smith has shown glimpses of being a promising power-hitter and finisher in his short international career, while giving a proper bowling option. He is capable of changing the course of games in a short period and is a match-winner on his day. He impressed with the ball for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2021 as he finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
Odean Fabian Smith accumulated 126 runs in the 2021 edition of Caribbean Premier League while picking 18 wickets with the ball at an economy of 7.54. For the West Indies, he has played 8 T20Is so far where he has accumulated 49 runs at an average and strike rate of 12.25 and 163.33, respectively. With the ball, he has picked 7 wickets at an economy of 10.77.
The franchises in IPL will surely look for hard-hitting seam-bowling all-rounders at the IPL 2022 mega-auction and while Odean Smith is ticking all the boxes, he could be a good option going into the bidding war.
Romario Shepherd (Base Price INR 75 Lakh)
West Indians have always been the centre of attraction in all seasons of Indian Premier League. The likes of Andre Russell, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwyane Bravo have been the heroes of the franchises they have played for.
The next in the list is Romario Shepherd, the young West Indian all-rounder, who is a clean striker of the ball and a useful batter lower down the order. He had witnessed a successful CPL season last year as he emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 18 wickets in nine games at an impressive average of 14.11.
The 27-year-old was equally impressive with the bat as he smacked 109 runs in the tournament with a brilliant strike rate of 165.15 in eight CPL innings, with a highest score of 72*.
Shepherd has played 14 T20Is for West Indies so far, where he has scored 117 runs in 5 innings at an impressive strike rate of 160.27. With the ball, he has picked 12 wickets in 11 innings at an economy of 11.34.
Considering his success in international cricket as an all-rounder in a very short period of time, he could be one of the best picks going into the IPL mega-auction.
Marco Jansen (Base Price INR 50 Lakh)
A name which we have heard a lot in recent times. Haven't we?
The 21-year-old South African left-arm pacer made life miserable for India’s batters during the recently concluded Freedom Trophy 2021-22. He is likely to be one of the top picks among overseas all-rounders. Marco Jansen had a dream Test debut against India as he went on to pick 19 wickets, just one behind Kagiso Rabada who was the highest wicket-taker of the series (20 wickets).
His performance against India in the recent series would definitely catch the attention of several franchises in IPL. The South African left-arm pacer has been fantastic with pace variations, one of the key factors behind his success against India.
Besides his bowling heroics, the Klerksdorp-born player is a clean striker of the ball and can bat lower down the order. In the Centurion Test against India, he proved that he is a bowling all-rounder by scoring a 42-ball 19 in the first innings and a quickfire 13 off 14 balls in the second innings. In the second Test, he smacked a quick 34-ball 21, showing his class with the bat.
Given his recent performances, many franchises would look to have him in their squad, considering his age as he could be a long-term investment.
Charith Asalanka (Base Price INR 50 Lakh)
The 24-year-old Sri Lankan made his T20I debut in the home series against India in June last year and later impressed all in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
The left-hander smashed 231 runs in 6 matches at an average of 46.20 with an amazing strike rate of 147.13 in the mega event and emerged as the second highest run-scorer from Sri Lanka. He had set the World Cup on fire playing some flamboyant knocks.
Charith Asalanka strikes at around 140 against pace in T20s whereas reels in the 120s against spin. While he can improve his hitting against spin, he could be slotted well in the top order if one is expecting fireworks from his bat.
The batting all-rounder can bowl off-spin as well, giving his team an extra bowling option. Charith Asalanka, who is just 24, might be a great asset for any franchise in IPL if they invest in him.
Hayden Kerr (Base Price INR 20 Lakh)
The 25-year-old uncapped Australian who had an impressive season with Sydney Sixers in the recently concluded BBL 2021-22, will be one of the top picks among all-rounders in IPL mega-auction.
The left-arm pacer has always been in demand in IPL and considering Kerr's bowling abilities, he would be on the radar of many franchises in IPL mega-auction. He mostly batted at no. 8 for Sydney Sixers and was fantastic with the ball in the death overs.
He smacked 152 runs in 9 innings at an average and strike rate of 38 and 144.76, respectively with 98* being his highest.
With the ball in hand, he finished as the second highest wicket-taker of the tournament (BBL 2021) with 25 wickets in 17 matches. His all-round brilliance and fantastic BBL season could attract the interest of many franchises at the upcoming IPL mega-auction.
IPL 2022 mega-auction is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13.
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