IPL auction: 10 Indians franchises should not ignore

The auction for the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League will feature 219 capped players (169 Indians and 50 overseas cricketers) and 292 uncapped (255 Indians and 37 overseas players).

Bikash Mohapatra picks the key Indian players likely to be pursued by the franchises.

Following a most eventful week that witnessed the Board of Control for Cricket in India reassert its supremacy in world cricket, even as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team suffered yet another defeat overseas, even as the Indian Premier League came under scrutiny for the dubious shenanigans in its last avatar, the auction for the IPL's seventh incarnation gets underaway in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Those who have followed the cash-rich Twenty20 extravaganza since its inception in 2008 are aware that the auction is something of a farce, the rules often being twisted as per convenience.

Last December, the franchises were allowed to retain five players each while retaining the option of buying back additional members of their teams at the auction via 'Right to Match' cards.

The termination of one franchise from the sixth edition (the Pune Warriors), as also the decision by another (the Delhi Daredevils) not to retain any of its players has ensured that many players will be up for grabs on February 12.

This year's auction features 219 capped players (169 Indians and 50 overseas cricketers) and 292 uncapped (255 Indians and 37 overseas players).

The uncapped Indian players will feature in the IPL auction for the first time.

In the first of a two-part series, Bikash Mohapatra takes a look at the Indian players who will be pursued by the franchises.

Kindly about the contenders...

Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag is no longer part of the national team; not even, it appears, on the selectors's radar.

Though Viru has been in indifferent form in the domestic tournaments this season, the swashbuckler -- the only Indian to score a triple Test ton (twice, one might add) -- will always be an asset for a T20 side.

Last season, he was out of form when he came out to bat against the Mumbai Indians at the Ferozeshah Kotla.

The eventual champions had scored 161 for four, and it seemed hopeless for the Delhi Daredevils, who had lost their six previous games.

Sehwag, as he so often did in his pomp, single-handedly transformed the game with an unbeaten 95, and the Daredevils scored a comprehensive nine wicket win.

His aggression and flamboyance are the hallmark of the game's shortest version, and this is what makes Sehwag a prize.

He has scored more than 2,000 runs -- one century and 15 fifties -- for the Daredevils in the IPL so far.

Viru has a point to make and who is to bet (oops, bad word!) against him annihilating the opposition this IPL.

Kindly about the contenders...

Yuvraj Singh

What Sehwag does at the start of an innings, Yuvraj Singh does in the middle of it.

Having captained the Kings XI Punjab in the first few editions, Yuvi turned up in the colours of the now defunct Pune Warriors subsequently.

About 1,500 runs and 29 wickets underline his success in the tournament.

Can anyone forget how he almost single-handedly won Team India the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and the 50 overs World Cup in 2011?

He may be currently out of favour with the selectors, but for Yuvi, form is temporary, class is permanent!

Kindly about the contenders...

Pragyan Ojha

How many players have been part of two title-winning teams?

The left-arm spinner -- who should have been part of the Indian team in New Zealand (God make the selectors see the light!) -- has 85 wickets from 79 IPL matches, and helped the Deccan Chargers in 2009 and the Mumbai Indians last year win the IPL trophy.

Pragyan played for the Chargers in the first four seasons and won the Purple Cap in IPL 3 for taking the most number of wickets in that tournament.

Last season, he finished with 16 wickets from as many matches.

Kindly about the contenders...

Cheteshwar Pujara

Thanks to his image as a Test star, Cheteshwar 'Chottu' Pujara has not got too many games in the IPL.

Mr Consistency has made the most of whatever opportunity he got, a strike rate of 95 being an indicator of this.

Kindly about the contenders...

Dinesh Karthik

More than 1,700 runs, an enviable strike rate of 124, an asset behind the stumps.

What IPL credentials Dinesh Karthik has!

Last season, his 500-plus runs and 14 dismissals behind the stumps played a stellar role in the Mumbai Indians's title triumph.

Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani should have Dinesh down as a top option at the auction, using the 'Right to Match' card.

Kindly about the contenders...

Amit Mishra

The leg-spinner is the second highest wicket-taker in the IPL, with 95 victims, and an economy rate of under 7.

Plus, he has a couple of hat-tricks too.

Amit Mishra will be very sought after at the IPL 7 auction.

Kindly about the contenders...

Mohammad Shami

He made his IPL debut last season, for the Kolkata Knight Riders, and took just one wicket in three matches.

Between then and now, Mohammad Shami is a much changed cricketer.

A memorable Test debut and good performances in South Africa and New Zealand has guaranteed that the young bowler is a big catch for any franchise.

The KKR owner (a certain Bollywood star banned from the Wankhede) may want Shami back in the Kolkata franchise's fold.

Kindly about the contenders...

Mohit Sharma

Mohit took 20 wickets for the Chennai Super Kings last season.

The 25-year-old Haryana bowler will be on the books for many franchises on Wednesday.

Kindly about the contenders...

Unmukt Chand

He was a disappointment for the Delhi Daredevils in IPL 6.

he scored just 196 runs, including three ducks.

But his potential is obvious.

The 20 year old, who led the India under-19 team to the world title, may be a surprise signing.

Kindly about the contenders...

K L Rahul

One of the most promising young batsman around, K L Rahul is a Rahul Dravid clone.

His 1,033 runs played a crucial role in Karnataka's Ranji Trophy triumph.

In IPL 6, Rahul was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore side, but didn't get too many games.

He could reinforce his reputation this season.

Kindly about the contenders...

Vijay Zol

Skipper of India's under-19 team, Zol boosted his rep in the Ranji Trophy, helping Maharashtra make it to the final.

He scored 553 runs, including a double hundred.

In the under-19 Asia Cup, his 100 in the final helped India win the title, beating Pakistan.