11 New Zealand Cricketers to watch out for in IPL 2021 Auction

by Karthik Atchuta 

With New Zealand cricketers like Kane Williamson and Trent Boult show casing some impact performances in T20 cricket – franchises would be keeping an eye on the potential talents to tap at the IPL 2021 Auction table.

Here are our top New Zealand cricketer picks for the IPL 2021 Auction.

11. Ish Sodhi

Leg spinners are a default choice in any T20 line up around the world now a days. Ish Sodhi who had been a part of Rajasthan Royals unit has experienced franchise cricket around the world. He has 175 wickets in 157 innings at an average of 25 and a economy rate of 7.86.

Teams like Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians who are not equipped with a overseas spinner might keep an eye on this Kiwi leggie at the IPL 2021 Auction.

10. Colin de Grandhomme

Teams are in constant hunt for some fire power and with a strike rate of over 160 in T20 cricket – Colin de Grandhomme could be the answer for few franchises. de Grandhomme also has an ability to strike with the ball which is a bonus if the teams can use his ability to their advantage. The kiwi all-rounder who had brief stints with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders, also boasts experience in the CPL.

9. Jimmy Neesham

When you have Jimmy Neesham in your team – you are already boasting of a X-factor in the playing XI who can contribute at any stage of the game. The flexibility factor is the biggest advantage for this all-rounder but where he falls short is the dismal IPL record with his stints with Delhi and Punjab. On both occasions, Neesham failed to deliver with both bat and ball but one may argue he hardly had enough time to make an impact in the match.

Neesham has over 1900 T20 runs at a strike rate of 137 and has taken 126 wickets in 136 matches at an average of 25. His economy rate is on the higher side at 9.05 runs per over.

The 30 year old all-rounder is one of the New Zealanders to be released (KXIP) by their franchise teams. Nevertheless Neesham is an absolute powerhouse if utilized properly and he should still be in the radar for a few teams in the IPL 2021 Auction.

8. Mitchell McClenaghan

Left arm pacer Mitchell McClenaghan was a part of defending champions Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2020 – the period in which Mumbai Indians have won 4 IPL titles. He is one of the pacers along with Nathan Coulter-Nile who got released from the Mumbai franchise. The experience and variety he provides for a team are invaluable. This 34 year old pacer has taken over 238 T20 wickets at an average of 25.

McClenaghan takes away brownie points with experience in IPL – He has 71 wickets in 56 matches at an average of 25.39 and a best of 4/21

With teams looking for some quality left arm pace, McClenaghan could be a hot property at the auction table.

7. Daryl Mitchell

Variety is the spice of life and with Daryl Mitchell you are guaranteed that. He turned a few heads when he hit his maiden Test century recently (102* in 112 balls). Mitchell has 1886 runs to his name at an average of 30.91 and a strike rate of nearly 130. He also has 45 wickets to his name at an average of 22.66.

Teams looking for a finisher who could also provide you crucial breakthroughs with the ball – Here is your man! He could be the money ball pick at the IPL 2021 auction.

6. Blair Tickner

Blair Marshall Tickner is the name buzzing in the New Zealand cricket circuit. The 27 year old pacer had been the leading wicket taker in Super Smash 2017-18 season. His consistent performances with the ball are the testament to his rise as he made his Blackcaps T20I debut against India in 2019.

The IPL franchise scouts must have made a note of this bustling right arm fast bowler who could provide teams with consistent performances with the ball.

5. Martin Guptill

The Blackcaps opener had very brief stints with teams like Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past. With over 7000 T20 runs at an average of over 32, Martin Guptill is always in the reckoning in the shorter format of the game.

Though his consistency took a dip – his experience in franchise and International cricket might fetch him a few bids. Batting aside, Guptill is a gun fielder who has taken some exceptional catches all round the park around the world. His experience is invaluable to any team.

4. Colin Munro

This Kiwi south paw is a renowned name in the T20 circuit. Weighing nearly 7000 T20 runs at 29.56 average. Munro has 4 T20 centuries to his name – 3 of which has come in International cricket. The left handed opener has franchise cricket experience all over the world and teams could be smacking their lips to line him up. With the on-going good form in Big Bash League, Munro might attract bids in his favor.

Teams like CSK, RCB, RR who have released their top order batsmen can line up for him in the IPL 2021 Auction. The Knight Riders franchise who got him in CPL might also extend their loyalty to their star performer.

3. Scott Kuggeleijn

We have seen a glimpse of Scott Kuggeleijn in IPL when CSK got him in to fill the void left by the injured Dwayne Bravo. Kuggeleijn played just 2 matches and picked 2 wickets but it was too short a stint to make a judgement. He rose to spotlight when he played the 2020 edition of Caribbean Premier League where he picked 17 wickets in just 11 matches at an average of 15.64 for St Lucia Zouks.

Kuggeleijn seems well equipped with the ball at different stages of the innings – which makes him a captain’s dream. He is no muck with the bat and can make some handy contributions. With teams looking to fill a bowling all-rounder slot – Scott could just be the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle for many teams.

2. Glenn Phillips

The 24 year old wicket keeper batsman from Auckland could be a red hot property at the IPL 2021 auction table. Already renowned for his destructive ability, this Auckland based cricketer set ablaze CPL by scoring 1147 runs in last 3 seasons at an average of 37.00 for Jamaica Tallawahs. His six hitting ability gives him an edge over similar batsmen competing in the auction.

Glenn Phillips is a top order batsman who can shift gears at will. Don’t be surprised if multiple teams get in to a bidding war for this exceptional talent in the IPL 2021 Auction.

1. Kyle Jamieson

All bids lead to Kyle Jamieson! He is slated to become one of the highest grossers at the upcoming auction scene. The 6’8″ tall all-rounder was the find of world cricket at the dawn of new decade. His best bowling figures of 6/7 in T20 cricket is the cherry on the top.

His impressive performances at home against Team India got every one noticing his talent and definitely the teams would get in to a busy bidding zone when his name pops up on the display.

Jamieson is most likely set to feature in the IPL 2021 edition – what has to be seen is his adaptability in Indian conditions.

5 Honorable Mentions: Ross Taylor, Tim Southee, Hamish Rutherford, Adam Milne, Devon Conway

Adam Milne: Kiwi pacer Adam Milne had a forgettable experience in IPL when he placed for RCB. He picked 4 wickets in 5 matches conceding 9.83 runs per over in the 2016-17 seasons. Ever since Milne has grown in to a T20 specialist pacer. He has a commendable record to back his case – 121 wickets in 106 matches at an average of 23.59 and a economy rate of 7.69. With the growing need for specialist T20 pacers, Milne might come under radar for a few teams.