Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH) may be the newest team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but they could come out a much stronger outfit if they play their cards right in the 2013 IPL auction in Chennai on Sunday, says a report in Hindustan Times, adding that Sunrisers replaced the Deccan Chargers (DC), who were terminated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2012.
“However, SH retained 20 of the players who were in the DC list. While DC's 2009 title was followed by dismal performances, better planning by the new owners, Sun TV Network, and coach Tom Moody may ensure a good showing by the Hyderabad franchise in IPL VI. With close to $7 million in the Hyderabad team's purse, they could plug all the gaps that existed in the old franchise,” says the report, adding DC skipper Kumar Sangakkara is currently injured and they do not have a potential replacement as captain.
“Also, they would be desperate to strengthen their batting unit. Mumbai's Abhishek Nayar, who finished as the second highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy this season, could be one of their prime targets. Nayar's former team, Mumbai Indians (MI) may also be interested in him.”
Meanwhile The Times Of India writes that the big boys are 'well settled', the Pakistan players are conspicuous by their absence and the money left with the nine franchises doesn't exactly amount to much, as 108 players go under the hammer on Sunday ahead of the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League.
“It's about filling up a few empty slots for most of the sides and the two players likely to hog the limelight are the Aussies Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting. Both have a base price of $400,000 and teams like Sunrisers and Mumbai Indians would definitely like to have the current Aussie capain in their ranks,” says the report, adding that however, Mumbai Indians might not rule out the Ponting option altogether.
“He displayed good form for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash and in addition to that, a possible Tendulkar-Ponting partnership at the top of the order can be a huge draw. Mumbai had tried that with Sanath Jayasuriya and the Little Master in the first three editions and it remains to be seen whether Nita Ambani and Co will take the same route again.”
Meanwhile Pune Mirror writes if there will be any takers for a retired cricketer in the IPL 6 auction. “Ricky Ponting was aggrieved that he was sold for only $ 400,000 (bought by KKR) in the IPL 1 auction in 2008. A feared batsman in world cricket then, Ponting found it below his dignity to play the IPL for such a low price,” says the report, adding that he steadfastly avoided coming to the league, playing only four games in five seasons.
“Much water has flown through the Tasman Sea since. Today, the Tasmanian is out of international circulation and has made himself available for the entire season but bravely enough, has given himself a base price of $ 400,000. It would be interesting to see if his fortunes would change five years on. Historically, the IPL franchises have never shown great respect for a retired cricketer but things could be different this time around. Newcomers Sun Risers provide Ponting some hope. With their designated skipper Kumar Sangakkara out with injury, Ponting gives them an option for captaincy.”