IPL 2023 Mini-Auction: Players Who Can Spark Bidding Wars And May Go For A Large Sum

Ahead of the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the 10 franchises have made bold calls and have quite a few spots to fill as we near the IPL 2023 mini-auction. While Sunrisers Hyderabad released their captain and core of the team – Kane Williamson, Kolkata Knight Riders released 15 players prior to IPL 2023. 

Mini-auctions have often earned players a huge sum of money as teams now don't shy away from spending, considering an increased purse amount. Pat Cummins in 2020, Kyle Jamieson and Chris Morris in 2021. Similarly, there are a few cricketers ahead of the mini-auction who can attract huge bids for their services.

Here are the top 5 players who are expected to attract heavy bidding in IPL 2023 mini-auction. 

#5. Kane Williamson

It came as a shock to one and all when Sunrisers Hyderabad announced the release of their skipper Kane Williamson. Hyderabad also released their top batter and bowler - David Warner and Rashid Khan last year. Even though Kane Williamson hasn't been in the best of form in 2022, the Kiwi will probably attract huge bids. 

Kane Williamson is a dependable batter in the middle order as well as a good captaincy option. Chennai Super Kings are in dire need of a captain with Jadeja being removed mid-season in IPL 2021 and MS Dhoni crossing the age of 40, Chennai Super Kings are very likely to go for Kane in IPL 2023 mini-auction. CSK have tried to acquire Kane Williamson in the past as well. In 76 IPL matches, Williamson has scored 2,101 runs at an average of 36.22 while striking at 126.03 with 18 fifties to his name. 

#4. Ben Stokes 

England all-rounder Ben Stokes attained an injury in his 1st match of IPL 2021 and was ruled out of the tournament. The 31-year-old opted out of IPL 2022 and has submitted his name for IPL 2023 mini-auction. Ben Stokes has been in the IPL auction twice before and has fetched a price of more than 10 crores both times. 

In IPL, Ben Stokes has scored 930 runs in 43 matches at a strike rate of 134.50 with 2 fifties and 2 hundreds to his name, while picking up 28 wickets in 113.5 overs bowled in IPL. Recently, Ben Stokes played a heroic knock in the T20 World Cup 2022 final where he led England to their second T20 title with a win against Pakistan, and will probably attract a bidding war in IPL 2023 mini-auction. 

#3. Cameron Green

With David Warner absent for the T20I series against India in India, all-rounder Cameron Green made the most of his opportunity and his quick/aggressive batting style attracted a lot of attention from cricket enthusiasts in India. The 23-year-old can spark a bidding war amongst the franchises to attain his services. 

In 21 T20 matches, Green has scored 245 runs in 21 matches at a strike rate of 137.64 with 2 fifties to his name. Green also bowls right-arm fast-medium and can provide crucial wickets in the middle for whichever franchise manages to get their hands on this all-rounder in IPL 2023 mini-auction.

#2. Nicholas Pooran

West Indies' captain Nicholas Pooran was also released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2023 mini-auction. In the IPL 2022 mega auction, the wicket-keeper batter fetched a price of 10.75 crores but failed to keep up with his monetary value. 

In 2022, Pooran played 23 T20I matches and scored 582 runs at a strike rate of 130.49. Despite poor form in the T20 World Cup, Pooran has regained form while playing for Trinidad in their domestic circuit. With MS Dhoni soon to retire and a lack of an explosive middle-order batter, CSK can eye Nicholas Pooran in the upcoming IPL 2023 mini-auction.

#1. Sam Curran

Sam Curran has also been one of the most expensive all-rounders in IPL auction history. The left-arm pacer has the capability to swing the ball and trouble the batters early on, as well as chip in with quick wickets. He proved his worth in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2022, where he picked up 13 wickets in 6 matches, including a 5-wicket haul and was adjudged the 'Player of the Tournament'. 

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Sam Curran is an 'all-rounder' and can also contribute with runs, adopting the role of a finisher if required. In 32 IPL matches, Sam Curran has grabbed 32 wickets with a 4-wicket haul to his name. With the bat in hand, Curran has scored 337 runs in 23 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 149.77, smacking two half-centuries. Sam Curran may very well emerge as the most expensive player in IPL 2023 mini-auction.