The IPL auction is less than 2 weeks away and excitement levels are skyrocketing with each passing day. 1097 players have signed up for the auction with players like Shakib Al Hasan, Steve Smith and Chris Morris among the big names that will come under the hammer. however, Mitchell starc and Joe Root did not register for the auction.
James Neesham is one of the many players who will be part of the auction and its base price is expected to be around INR 50-75 lakh. He was part of Kings XI Punjab last season, but he was not used properly by the franchise led by KL Rahul. He’s a dangerous mid-tier batsman and he also has the ability to pick up big wickets with the ball, although he tends to be a bit pricey.
He scored 1903 points in 136 T20 with a strike rate of 137.1 and an average of 25.71. He also has 126 wickets to his name at a strike rate of 16.8 while conceding just over 9 points per over. There are quite a few teams that need a versatile player like Neesham, whether as a starter or as a team player.
Here’s a look at 3 of those teams that can pick James Neesham in the IPL auction:
1. Capitals of Delhi
The Delhi Capitals had their best season last year as they advanced to the final for the first time in their history. They have retained 17 players for the coming season and have a maximum of 3 overseas locations that can be occupied. With Woakes, Nortje and Rabada on their team, they are well stocked in the bowling department.
Shimron Hetmyer and Marcus Stoinis are the other two foreign players on the squad, and they’ll try to buy a mid-order batsman who can provide some competition for places, and Jimmy Neesham would be a decent choice considering that ‘it would mainly be available at a favorable price.
Hetmyer wasn’t entirely consistent last season and even his alternate, Alex Carey didn’t look entirely comfortable at bat in the middle stand. Neesham would be a very good replacement in case he fails to start, and he would also provide cover for Stoinis if the Aussie is injured or suffers from a loss of form.
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