IPL 2018 Auction: 5 overseas players who could be bargain buys

It is an exciting part of the year as we are nearing the auction for the 11th edition of the IPL.

This edition promises to be an interesting affair as Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals will be making a comeback after two years.

After the retention ceremony, where we saw a couple of shocking declarations, it all boils down to the auctions, which promise to be an action-packed event as franchises gear up to build potential squads.

With a limited amount remaining in their purses, each franchise will look to get the players at a reasonable value.

Here we look at 5 overseas names which could be bargain buys and can bring a lot to the team

Note: All stats are accurate as of 25 January 2018

#5 Martin Guptill

The right-handed New Zealand opener has terrific statistics in the shortest format of the game. A destructive batsman, Martin Guptill can bat aggressively from the word go.

He is the fourth highest run-getter in the shorter format on the international level.

He has scored over 5400 runs in the twenty-over format of the game striking at around 127 and at an impressive average of 32.47. He is also a great fielder with superb reflexes and a bullet-quick arm.

Though his record in IPL has been far below from his standards, he is a promising cricketer and a match winner.

#4 Ish Sodhi

For a spinner, who boasts of a great record and is a true match winner, it has been disappointing not to see Ish Sodhi in any IPL team as of now.

The 25-year-old leg spinner has been impressive for New Zealand in all the formats and especially in the T20s claiming, 29 wickets in 19 games with an economy well under 7.

Wrist spinners form an integral part of any T20 setup. Sodhi likes to flight the ball and is also capable of generating turn.

He has single-handedly won many T20 games for New Zealand and his Big Bash League franchise Adelaide Strikers.

#3 Sam Billings

The English wicket-keeper batsman is an interesting player to watch. An aggressive and innovative batsman, Billings is never short of energy.

The 26-year-old player has played 128 T20s in total and has batted at different positions throughout his career.

His T20 strike rate stands at a healthy 128.51 and he has also affected a total of 84 dismissals in the shortest format making himself a valuable player.

Billings has played a few good knocks for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL scoring 226 runs at an average of 22.6 and strike rate of 134.52.

#2 Jason Roy

The destructive English opener has the capability to dismantle any bowling attack. The South Africa born cricketer has had a terrific record for England and is a regular part of the national team in shorter formats.

His record has been splendid in the shortest format as he has hit over 4100 runs at a demolishing strike rate of almost 145 and a healthy average of 27.92. These stats speak volume of his utility in the team.

Capable of providing an attacking start right up front, Jason Roy is definitely a player to watch out for in the auctions.

#1 Morne Morkel

The tall South African pacer will attract the attention of many franchises courtesy of a good form. He is hitting the right areas and troubling the batsmen with the bounce that he generates. An experienced campaigner, Morkel has played 165 games and has claimed 178 wickets.

He has claimed 77 wickets in 70 games and has been an integral part of franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils over past few years.

He could start a bidding war in the auctions and many franchises can target him.