IPL Auction: Stars that might not make the cut

Come February 4th 2012, a host of International and domestic cricketers from around the world will go under the hammer for the fifth version of the IPL. As many as 144 cricketers would be available for auction at the ITC Royal Grandenia Hotel in Bangalore. This season each franchise has a purse of $2 million to spend on strengthening their existing squads. IPL 5 would feature nine teams with Kochi Tuskers Kerala being removed from the competition.Greame Swann, Mahela Jayawardene, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Brendon McCullum would be a few top picks for the season but let us spare a thought for a few names that might miss out.

VVS Laxman, the stylish Hyderabadi was a part of the now disbanded Kochi franchise. A great batsman in his own right, but a poor run of form in Australia and his weak fielding might see this master craftsman miss out.

Andrew Puttick, the former captain and wicketkeeper of the Cape Cobras from South Africa has been a prolific run scorer, but may not find a team because of his recent decline in form.

Dilhara Fernando, the Sri Lankan and Mumbai Indian pacer with a split finger slower delivery burst on to the international scene with enormous talent. But inconsistency in performances have slowly put him out of favor.

Jacob Oram, perhaps one of the last of a dying breed of all rounders, the big hitter from New Zealand promised a lot but often got sidelined due to his injuries. His ongoing injury problems prompted him to retire from Test cricket in 2009. After three seasons with Chennai Super Kings, he moved to Rajasthan Royals last year.

Ajantha Mendis, the inventor of the “carrom” ball. Touted as the next Muralitharan, Mendis has failed to deliver consistently both on International and IPL circuit. With Muralitharan and Herath in the auction, Mendis might have to keep his fingers crossed.

Marlon Samuels, stylish right-hander of immense ability, but he hasn’t come close to realizing his potential, thanks to the various controversies he has been embroiled in. A bad tour of India might have undone him for this IPL.

Justin Kemp, the all rounder from Cape Cobras, impressed everyone with his pinch hitting prowess but his career took a nose dive when he was involved in a controversy when he admitted smoking marijuana.

Daren Ganga, the captain of the flamboyant Trinidad and Tobago side. His side won many hearts in the inaugural Champions league and Ganga’s shrewd captaincy took them to the finals but as a batsman, Ganga never lived up to the expectations.