IPL 2014: Which players should teams buy in auctions with their RTM cards

Kings XI Punjab

Number of RTM options: 2

They surprised everyone by retaining 20 year old uncapped batsman Manan Vohra. So what are the options left now?

Shaun Marsh

He has played for them ever since the beginning and is their most successful batsman. He played only eight games last season but still managed to average 37.5 at a strike rate of 120.

Shaun Marsh has been Punjab’s best batsman across all six seasons.

Mandeep Singh

How is Vohra retained but not Mandeep? He was voted the best young player in the 2012 edition and despite not enjoying a great season last time around, he could have been retained.

Parvinder Awana

Impressed one and all with his pace and bounce. He picked up 15 wickets at an economy of 7.6 in IPL6. Praveen Kumar’s long term absence due to injury would mean that Punjab may look at Awana closely.

Another youngster who has a chance would be Sandeep Sharma who impressed in the Under-19 world cup and also in the four games he played last season. David Hussey’s age might work against his favour.

FINAL VERDICT: Shaun Marsh and Parvinder Awana

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Number of RTM options: 2

Simply spoilt for choices, but what might worry them is the fact that most of those are overseas choices.

Amit Mishra

If there is one Indian player whom SRH might be interested in retaining, then it has to be the leggy who bowled superbly last season picking up 21 wickets with an impressive economy of 6.35.

If Mishra isn’t retained, that would surprise a many.

Quinton De Kock

His recent form for South Africa has made him a hot property. But he might very well go for a huge price which could hamper SRH’s chances.

The All-rounders

Darren Sammy quickly became a fan favourite ever since he became a regular in that side and had a productive season. So did Thisara Perera, but Perera’s recent dip in form could be a concern.

Last season’s Captains Sangakkara and White have changed their fortunes with the bat over the last few months but are still not expected to be retained.

FINAL VERDICT: Amit Mishra and Darren Sammy

It’s very important that franchises get to understand this new rule as soon as possible so that they can set their potential targets for the auction. Miscalculating it might cost them heavily as they could not only lose out on their own player but also other big players. Anyway, one exciting auction is around the corner.