IPL Auction 2020: Five players who can fetch big bids due to their World Cup performances

The ICC World Cup 2019 was a true source of entertainment for all the cricketing fans across the globe. Many games went down the wire, thereby increasing the interest in the tournament. In the end, it was England whose four-year long preparation to become a dynamic team in ODI cricket paid off.

The eight Indian Premier League franchises would also have followed the mega-event very closely, and the efforts made by some of these players might be rewarded in the form of huge bids. The IPL auction for the next season is set to take place on 20th December, where the fates of such talented players would go under the hammer.

Let us take a look at the few players who might fetch big bids in the auction for IPL 2020 on the ground of their World Cup performances.

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#1 Jason Roy (England)

Roy was a vital cog in England's wheel

Jason Roy has the perfect game to suit the needs of T20 cricket. He is one of those few players who can go for the kill straight away, without taking many risks. The 29-year-old can take some credit for England's first ever World Cup victory, where he scored 443 runs in 8 matches. Though he opened the innings, he played with a strike rate of 115.

His importance in the England squad can be understood from the fact that the team lost 2 of the 3 matches which he missed due to injury, thereby making every game from there on a must-win match. But once he returned against India, his team went on to win all the remaining games.

Roy is not a new name to the IPL. However, he did not enter the auction pool last year. He has played a total of 8 matches across two seasons. He can instantly go for the big shots, which helps the team to maximize the powerplay. If he decides to play this season, he might fetch a big bid in the auctions.

Also see – World Test Championship points table

#2 Alex Carey

Carey kept playing despite an injury

A Jofra Archer bouncer hits hits his face and it starts bleeding. Anybody else would have walked off, but not Alex Carey. On that day, in the semi-finals of the World Cup, Carey played like a real hero, scoring a gritty 46 to rescue Australia alongside Steve Smith after the top order fell cheaply.

Although that was not the first time he had bailed Australia out of trouble. Carey was the unsung hero for the team throughout their campaign. The southpaw scored 375 runs in the tournament, which included 3 half-centuries. Batting at number 7, he did well in the finishing stages as well as in an innings building role.

Carey has all the qualities required for the T20Is. He is a flexible player who can bat anywhere the team wants him to. Besides, he is a safe keeper, proved by the 18 catches and 2 stumpings to his name during the World Cup. It won't be a surprise if there is heavy bidding war among the franchises to get him.

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#3 Sheldon Cottrell

Cottrell's style of celebration

West Indian players always entertain the fans, and Sheldon Cotrell is no lesser than his teammates in that aspect. One can associate him with his trademark salute, which comes out everytime he scalps a wicket. Cottrell was at his best in the World Cup, taking 12 wickets including the likes of Hardik Pandya, David Warner, Kane Williamson, and Imam-ul-Haq.

The added advantage of having Cottrell in the squad is that he is a left-arm bowler, which is an in-demand requirement in T20 cricket. Moreover, he can be used in the powerplay as well as the death overs. He can swing the new ball judiciously, thereby becoming a big threat for the batsmen.

When a few injuries surfaced in IPL 2019, there was a lot of hype over his inclusion as a replacement. However, the 29-year-old could not make the cut that time. But an impressive World Cup campaign can help him find a franchise this time around.

#4 Avishka Fernando

Avishka Fernando - The future of Sri Lankan cricket

Apart from that historic upset against the eventual champions England, World Cup 2019 was no less than a disaster for Sri Lanka. However, in Avishka Fernando, the team found a batsman on whom they can rely for years to come. Fernando was missing in the initial matches, but grabbed the spotlight instanly when given the due chance.

He played his first game against England and surprised everyone by a counter-attacking 49. He smashed his first century against West Indies, which proved that he was there to stay. The 21-year-old scored 203 runs in 4 matches, at an excellent strike rate of 105. He showed yet another glimpse of his masterclass in Lasith Malinga's farewell game last month, where his 75-ball-82 helped him retire on a high note.

His performances would have certainly caught the eyes of many franchises. He might be a hot pick in the IPL 2020 auction since his attacking style of play suits the T20 format very well.

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#5 Jimmy Neesham

Jimmy Neesham- Handy with both the bat and the ball

Jimmy Neesham was a key player in New Zealand's journey in their World Cup campaign to a tied super over in the final. He was the one who brought them on the brink of the victory in that over, scoring 14 runs in 5 deliveries after New Zealand were asked to score 16 to win the tournament.

Throughout the tournament, the all-rounder chipped in with crucial contributions in both the departments. His unbeaten 97 run knock against Pakistan in bowling-friendly conditions was one of the most memorable knocks of the tournament. He also picked up a five-wicket haul against Afghanistan.

Overall, the 28-year-old scored 232 runs apart from scalping 15 wickets. Neesham can be a good finisher for any team. Besides, he is an able wicket-taking bowler, which makes it a luxury to have him in any side.