3 Players who might not be the first priority in the playing XI despite getting picked

The IPL Auction 2019 concluded on Tuesday and as many as 60 players were sold in the process. 40 Indians and 20 overseas players were sold to various franchises in an event that was held in Jaipur.

While some new faces attracted huge bids, few veteran players were unsold in the auction. Jaydev Unadkat along with Tamil Nadu Premier League star Varun Chakravarthy got the highest bids of the season with INR 8.4 crore each. When it comes to overseas players, England's Sam Curran was sold to Kings XI Punjab for INR 7.2 crore.

Former South African batsman Colin Ingram, who is currently regarded as T20 specialist in franchise cricket was sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 6.4 crore. West Indian all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 5 crore was one of the surprise elements of the auction.

However few veteran players and T20 specialists were unsold in the auction. Manoj Tiwary, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, and few other Indian players were left unsold. Whereas, the likes of Brendon McCullum, Hashim Amla, Alex Hales, Dale Steyn, and few other overseas players couldn't attract any buyers.

In this article, we look at 3 players who might not feature in the playing XI despite getting picked.

#1 Martin Guptill - Sunrisers Hyderabad

Martin Guptill, who is regarded as one of the finest openers in the shorter format of the game has been in the auction pool for every season but was never looked upon. The Kiwi batsman earlier represented Mumbai Indians in the year of 2016 and Kings XI Punjab in the 2017 season.

In 10 IPL games, he could only score 189 runs at a below-par average of 21 and a strike-rate of 132.17. He has only 1 half-century to his name and could never set the stage on fire considering the reputation that he carried.

In yesterday's auction, Martin Guptill went unsold in the first round for his base price of INR 1 crore. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him up in the last round for his base price.

Despite getting picked, Guptill might not feature in the playing XI considering the strong batting line-up that Sunrisers Hyderabad possess. With the likes of David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Kane Williamson at the top, Martin Guptill would need to warm the bench.

Lasith Malinga - Mumbai Indians

Lasith Malinga was sold to Mumbai Indians for his base price

Lasith Malinga has been the dark-horse for Mumbai Indians since IPL 2009. The veteran Sri Lankan fast bowler is the leading wicket-taker with 154 wickets to his name across 9 seasons. However, his form has dipped over the last few years and couldn't replicate the success he had earlier. This resulted in him being dropped as a player and Mumbai franchise roped him as a mentor for the 2018 season.

Malinga was released by the Mumbai Indians franchise earlier this year and he was in the auction pool for a base price of INR 2 crore. However, the Sri Lankan was bought by Mumbai Indians for his base price.

Considering the fact that Mumbai Indians have their bowling options covered, Lasith Malinga might not feature in the playing XI. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Milne, Ben Cutting, and Hardik Pandya in the squad, it is expected that Lasith Malinga would not feature in the playing XI.

Heinrich Klaasen - Royal Challengers Bangalore

Heinrich Klaasen was picked up by RCB

Heinrich Klaasen made a name for himself with his big hitting in the limited overs format for South Africa. He was impressive in the recently concluded Mzansi Super League and this caught the eye of the many leading to IPL Auction. He was sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for a base price of INR 50 lakhs as a specialist overseas wicket-keeper.

Klaasen earlier represented Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 edition and played only 4 games. In 4 games he could amass 57 runs with a highest score of 32 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The South African batsman/wicket-keeper has a reputation of a big hitter and despite getting picked, he might not feature in the playing XI for RCB. With Parthiv Patel as a regular wicket-keeper for the season and a strong overseas contingent with the likes of AB de Villiers, Shimron Hetmyer, Moeen Ali, Tim Southee, Nathan Coulter-Nile in the squad, Heinrich Klaasen might just have to warm the bench and wait for his opportunity.