IPL 2019: 3 overseas players who could be playing in their maiden IPL

Indian Premier League has become a platform for other cricket playing nations to test if their talents are competent at the highest level of the game. We have seen a number of overseas cricketers whose careers have taken a sharp rise following their performances in the IPL. Shane Watson, Jos Buttler, and Sunil Narine are a few examples.

Hence, a number of players who impress in the international level and various other T20 leagues get a chance to play IPL every year. On similar lines, here is a list of 3 players who could be set to make their IPL debut next year and the teams who would be looking to sign them in the IPL Auction 2019.

#3 Oshane Thomas

Oshane Thomas got picked for the tour of India courtesy his performances in the Carribean Premier League. He made an instant impact as he troubled the strong Indian top-order. His height generated a lot of bounce and that coupled with his pace resulted in many wickets.

Such a performance on the Indian pitches has probably guaranteed Oshane Thomas of an IPL contract for the upcoming season. Although there is a doubt regarding the venue of the tournament, Oshane Thomas would be a useful bowler on most pitches across the globe.

Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals are in need of an overseas bowling option and hence they could be in the fray for this tall West Indian pacer, who would be a great addition for them.

#2 Sam Curran

At 20 years, Sam Curran has shown a lot of maturity

Sam Curran was the pick of the England-India Test series held this year. He was the surprise highest wicket-taker in a few innings amongst other stalwarts such as James Anderson and Stuart Broad. He took important wickets which put a halt to India's momentum in many cases.

Batting lower down the order, Sam Curran pulled England out of precarious situations. His composure while batting with the tail was impressive and his stroke-play was no less than that of a top-order batsman. Such qualities could earn him an IPL contract if he makes himself available for the IPL Auction 2019.

Again, Mumbai Indians and KKR need overseas bowlers and Sam Curran could be an ideal choice for either side. However, his batting skills would be a bonus. KXIP could also be in for him and his all-round ability certainly makes an interesting prospect.

#1 Shimron Hetymer

The West Indian batsman could trigger a bidding war at the auctions

Every IPL auction has 1 or 2 overseas players who will be on the list of every franchise. Kieron Pollard and Corey Anderson have been there before and it will be Shimron Hetymer's turn this year. He was good with his bat in the CPL and was even better in the series against India. His attacking style of play against the Indian bowlers earned him a lot of fans. As a result, Hetymer would have probably made it to the target list of most of the teams.

CSK cannot bid for an overseas player and hence they would remain out of the action. Rest of the teams are likely to be going for the Windies batsman, especially considering his explosiveness. However, teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kings XI Punjab, and KKR need to beef up their middle-order and they should definitely be looking to target him.