It’s that time of the season again. One hundred and forty four players are up for sale and nine teams would go hammer and tongs to bag some big names during the auction for IPL 5.

By Rajarshi Gupta

The focus, not surprisingly, would be on the Australians, with as many as 16 players on show. The erstwhile world champions have roared back to form and their players would be in demand. Peter Siddle, devastating in his team’s 4-0 triumph over India in the Test series, would be the star attraction.

There has been a dearth of quality fast bowlers in the IPL since its inception in 2008. Sohail Tanvir was an exception in the first edition but the other big names have struggled. Siddle’s inclusion could change all that, given his form. Besides, he has been a major cog for the Victorian Bushrangers’ T20 outfit.

The likes of Xavier Doherty, Adam Voges, Shane Harwood and Josh Hazelwood have been consistent performers in T20 cricket for their respective state teams Down Under.
Bidders have become smarter with every season of the mega-event. They know most of the Aussies. Besides, apart from Siddle and Mitchell Johnson, most of the others would be available throughout the edition. Their fitness and skills are beyond doubt, especially in the shortest format of the game.

However, the biggest story of the auctions could yet be young all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. He shot into the limelight after making a mark with the Rajasthan Royals before being banned for a year after a failed to attempt to look for a better buyer.

The IPL Organising Committee would have none of it and they decided to keep one of India’s best talents away for daring to ask for more.

His transition to the now suspended Kochi Tuskers was smooth -- the 23-year-old bowled well and batted with heart. His man-of-the-match performance in India’s T20 International victory against Australia on Friday would have only raised his stakes.

Thanks to Kochi’s suspension, the other franchises would also have the option of buying the in-form Mahela Jayawardene. There may not be many bidders for VVS Laxman (who went through a lean patch in Australia) and former Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Both the legends are past their prime and Laxman has never been a high-profile T20 performer anyway.

The auctions on Saturday may not see many fireworks but there are some utility players up for grabs. Keep watching this space for all the updates Saturday.