IPL auction: Will Delhi retain Sehwag? Eyes on De Kock, Anderson

Virender Sehwag's string of poor scores in domestic cricket is likely to affect his chances of a lucrative deal in IPL 7. In fact, it is highly unlikely that he will be retained by his current franchise, Delhi Daredevils.

The eight existing franchises need to submit their 'Player Retention List' by January 10.

Talented left-handers -- South Africa's Quinton de Kock and latest batting sensation Corey Anderson of New Zealand are two players likely to fetch a substantial amount during the next month's IPL auction.

Sehwag has been with the Delhi franchise since the first edition as an icon player, subsequently retained at various stages during the later part of the cash-rich league.

A poor IPL season last year and only 234 runs in 13 innings in the Ranji Trophy, at less than 19.50, leaves Daredevils with little option but send the 'Nawab of Najafgarh' back to the auction pool.

"Supposedly, the Daredevils goes for retention, Sehwag will either be bought for Rs 12.5 crore or Rs 9.5 crore, as the GMR group-owned franchise logically doesn't have reason to retain more than two players as it will affect their purse of Rs 60 crore allotted to buy a full squad," a top IPL official said.

"Retaining an in-form David Warner looks a more viable option although Daredevils might just look to start afresh after their horrible run last season," the official added.

Question remains whether coach Gary Kirsten, who is likely to have a final say in cricketing matters along with the top management, will like to shell out that sum for a player whose retention is nothing more than a gamble at this stage.

Kirsten, India's most successful chief national coach, would like to commence his IPL journey with a clean slate.

The 35-year-old India discard is no longer a certainty even in shortest format considering his current form which has taken a nosedive.

Daredevils have an option of buying Sehwag back at a significantly lesser value using their 'Right To Match' card, but question remains whether the dashing opener will like to play at a lesser salary.

In earlier editions, we have seen players like VVS Laxman lowering their base price, and the buzz is that Sehwag might have to do the same in order to keep the interest in

the franchises, which have become sharper when it comes to the economics of team composition.

As far as the auction is concerned, De Kock will certainly be one of the hottest picks after his hat-trick of ODI centuries against India, and his wicketkeeping.

Teams like Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils will surely be interested in De Kock.

Anderson is another batsman likely to grab the eye-balls after his breathtaking 36-ball-100 for New Zealand against the West Indies on New Year's eve.

Anderson is another batsman likely to grab the eye-balls after his breathtaking 36-ball-100 for New Zealand against the West Indies on New Year's eve.

South African Richard Levi was signed by Mumbai Indians before the last edition after he scored the fastest T20 International ton, off 45 balls, against New Zealand. But Mumbai Indians had an advantage as there was no auction last year.

This year, with the auction on, Anderson could be one of the most sought-after players.