IPL 2018 Auction: Five players who could make it big

The clock is ticking as D-day approaches. The hammer is set to go down for the franchises to fill their squads for the upcoming IPL 2018.

The annual festival of Indian cricket will surely throw big money to the stalwarts of the game across the world, and more so with an increased kitty.

There will be some dark horses among the cricketers, who hopefully reveal themselves throughout the tournament.

Here is my prediction for a few players who I feel may hit the jackpot this auction.

Ben Stokes

The past few months have been a nightmare for Stokes. Having embedded himself in controversies and getting ousted from the Ashes was something he had never thought of in his wildest dreams.

Come IPL auctions and all his stress should be relieved. It will be of no surprise if Stokes becomes the first ever player to hit the 20 crore mark. His equivalent ability to whack the ball and shatter the furniture adds a nitro boost to his case.

Stokes proved to be a one man army in multiple games last year for Rising Pune Supergiant in his debut season.

D'Arcy Short

Basking in the red-hot form he displayed in the Big Bash league, the opening batsman-cum-bowler will set the eyes rolling of many buyers. Short is not a household name but recent exploits and form in the BBL 2018 will throw in a strong case for him.

Short has been stupendous for the Hobart Hurricanes this season. In 18 matches, he has amassed 740 runs, which included a couple of tons. Short is one those cricketers who can break crucial partnerships. His ability with the ball got him a few crucial wickets in his kitty.

Krunal Pandya

T20 cricket is about utility players. Nobody was aware of Krunal Pandya's existence until Mumbai Indians threw crores to grab him a few years back. The move paid off as Krunal was instrumental for the Mumbai Indians for the past couple of years.

Krunal is a match winner in all the parameters of the game. His ability to adapt and bat as per the situation adds brownie points.

He can even the open the bowling and see through the power play in a jiffy.

Ajinkya Rahane

Australia v India - Game 3

Another surprise?

Yes, Rahane lacks the power T20 cricket demands. It should not be ruled out that there are many franchises without a skipper. Rahane is consistent and can provide a decent and consistent start at the top of the order.

His leadership capabilities will also provide the team a solid base.

Chris Gayle

The magician of the T20s has still got in him to slaughter the opposition. He has had a great run in whatever T20 leagues he has participated in over his career.

Gayle will be a gamble the franchises will love to take. He can win you 4 or 5 games at his own peril in the tournament.

Form is temporary, class is permanent. Gayle is a bet which can pay off tenfold.