10 best all-rounders bought in the IPL 7 Auctions

Irfan Pathan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Irfan Pathan – Another Redemption Trail?

The Indian discard has been working hard in anticipation of another shot at turning out for the national team. Swing, his chief weapon that had deserted him earlier, seems to have returned to his arsenal. But for his struggles with injuries and form, Irfan Pathan might have regained his place in time for the NZ tour.

He is a fitter, wiser cricketer now. Stints with Kings XI and the Daredevils have taught him to be patient and focus on his key strengths. Irfan can swing the ball both ways and has also added a yard of pace in his run-up.

With the bat, the younger Pathan can send a few into orbit or keep the scorecard moving along at a comfortable pace. He played some good knocks for the Daredevils. The 29-year-old bolsters the Sunrisers’ pace attack, making it one of the more formidable lineups in this edition.

It is time for redemption, and the Baroda left-arm seamer will be keen to remind the national selectors that he is still a force to be reckoned with.

Jacques Kallis (Kolkata Knight Riders)

King Kallis – One Last Dance

The veteran South African all-rounder brought down the curtains on an illustrious Test career with a remarkable century against India in December 2013. With an eye on the 2015 World Cup, he would want to view the IPL sojourn as a means of getting some good match practice and stay fit.

Kallis has been a pillar of strength since the 2010 edition when he began opening the innings for the Royal Challengers. A switch to Kolkata resulted in him becoming part of a victorious set up in 2012, after having come agonizingly close in 2009. A strong, graceful batsman whose elegant cover drives are a visual treat, the Cape Town native is also a useful bowler, capable of picking up wickets at key intervals.

KKR would love to have ‘King Kallis’ repeat his consistency of 2012, and the veteran will want to sign off in style, too. Another prized catch for the former champions!