IPL 2014 Auctions: 6 most coveted fast bowlers

3. Mitchell McClenaghan

Mitchell McClenaghan

Base Price = 30 lakh

We will stick our necks out with this one and propose that the Kiwi pace bowler will make a mark at the auctions this year. McClenaghan has emerged as a serious competitor in the last year and has consolidated that position with admirable performances against India early in 2014. The tall left-handed bowler deserves a taste of T-20.

He has emerged as a dependable and much-trusted option for Brendan McCullum who is heading an exciting revival for the New Zealand ODI side.

His ODI figures give a good indication of the form that he has been displaying at the highest level. He has picked up 48 wickets in 22 matches at an economy of less than 6 runs per over. He may not be a proved commodity in Indian conditions but given his low pricing at 30 lakhs, he will be well worth the investment.

He uses his height to great effect and has many weapons to rely upon in crunch situations. He is an experienced campaigner at age 27, a seasoned domestic performer, and it will be a pity if he goes unsold.

2. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Base Price = 1 crore

The Indian fast-bowler has emerged unscathed from testing conditions. A period of sustained and intense pressure has forced a number of Indian bowlers into surrender in the recent past. The likes of Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Vinay Kumar have failed to make a consistent impact at the highest level but Md. Shami has all the qualities to pass that test.

He made a definite mark with his exploits against West Indies in Tendulkar’s farewell series but more importantly passed stern tests in South Africa and New Zealand. His strength is the ability to bowl quick and accurate. He has a more than decent yorker that holds a T-20 campaigner in good stead as we have seen in the past.

He has been on the margins of the Indian Premier league thus far but this will definitely be his breakthrough season. The fact that he has grabbed the limelight with his performances for the national side means that he will be on the wish-list of many franchisees and should command an impressive price.

Shami is not a bit part bowler who will look to contain and worry about his economy rates; he is a fierce competitor who likes to do the job himself by bringing in the lbw and bowled dismissals into play and T20 suits such a campaigner. He will be a massive temptation in the upcoming auctions and a bargain at whatever price.

1. Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson

Base Price = 2 crore

It came as a surprise to many that defending champions Mumbai Indians chose not to retain Mitchell Johnson in spite of his Ashes exploits late last year. He single-handedly demolished a stable, decorated English side with his ferocious bowling that has a lot more than pure skill to it.

Johnson is a player who lives and dies by his confidence and now that he has realized his talents with distinction there is a distinct possibility that his career graph will take a steep upward turn.

He can unleash raw pace at the batsman and be unplayable on his day. He can be used either at the head of the innings to break through the top order or in multiple one over spells as a wicket taking option.

It is significant to note that Johnson regained much of his confidence that led to his Ashes exploits against India in the ODI series late in 2013. Under the captaincy of George Bailey he allowed himself to concentrate on pace and aggression.

He was successful campaigner in IPL 2013 even before this turn-around picking up 24 wickets in 17 matches for Mumbai Indians. Imagine what he may be able to do in 2014!