IPL 2021 Auction will happen in some time. The rumours are rife that two new franchises might join the league ahead of its fourteenth season. The addition of two teams could increase the competition level. Already the IPL’s league stage ends in an unpredictable manner. If it is a ten-team affair, things will become more exciting.
If new teams come into the league, there will be demand for newer players. There are many T20 leagues happening across the world. Sri Lanka’s LPL 2020 ended recently. In IPL 2020, only one Sri Lankan player, Isuru Udana played. Thus, IPL teams will look for more talents from LPL. Here are five stars who can earn an IPL contract for 2021 season.
5. Danushka Gunathilaka
Lanka Premier League’s best batsman was Danushka Gunathilaka. The Sri Lankan batsman played for the Galle Gladiators. He was the only batsman who could score more than 300 runs. In fact, Gunathilaka ended with 476 runs in 10 innings. The left-handed batsman had a brilliant strike rate of 144.68 in LPL.
Many IPL teams need a reliable top-order batsman. Gunathilaka hit 67 fours in LPL. This statistic shows that he can dominate the bowlers with his batting skills. The 29-year-old can also bowl right-arm off-breaks. Thus, he can be a handy option for any IPL franchise.
4. Laurie Evans
Laurie Evans is a T20 specialist from England. He was the only player to score a century in LPL 2020. Evans smacked 108 runs against the eventual champions Jaffna Stallions. He has played in many T20 leagues globally. However, IPL is a tournament in which Evans has not played.
The 33-year-old has a strike rate of 133.91 in 164 T20 matches. In LPL 2020, he batted at a strike rate of 170. The conditions in India and Sri Lanka are almost similar. Hence, Laurie can perform well in the IPL. It will be intriguing to see if any franchise buys him.
3. Thisara Perera
Jaffna Stallions emerged as inaugural LPL champions. All-rounder Thisara Perera played a huge role in their success. The Sri Lankan star scored 261 runs in eight innings. He struck 22 fours and 19 sixes in Hambantota. Also, Perera recorded two fifties.
On top of that, Thisara scalped five wickets with the ball. Every IPL franchise looks for quality all-rounders. Perera is a proven match-winner in T20s. Also, he has represented many IPL franchises. Thus, he has the experience and the talent to receive another IPL deal in 2021.
2. Dhananjaya Lakshan
Dhananjaya Lakshan is a bowling all-rounder who played a major role in Galle Gladiators’ journey to the finale. Gladiators finished at the runners-up position. Lakshan took 13 wickets for them in the competition. The Galle-based player is a right-arm medium-fast bowler. He bats left-handed.
IPL teams have generally shown interest in overseas quicks. Lakshan has the wicket-taking abilities to turn the games in his team’s favour. Although his economy rate was 8.65 in LPL, Dhananjaya had a brilliant strike rate of 12. He picked up his best figures of 3/36 in LPL 2020 Final. Thus, he is a big match player and can secure an IPL deal in 2021.
1. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga was by far the best bowler in LPL 2020. The leg-break bowler picked up 17 wickets in 10 matches for the Jaffna Stallions. The Indian cricket team fans would remember that Hasaranga had done well in the T20Is against the Men in Blue earlier this year. It was surprising that none of the IPL teams went after him. However, after LPL, many teams would have developed an interest in his services.
Hasaranga finished as the top-wicket taker of the tourney. The Galle native had a bowling average of 11.29. His best figures were 3/15, while he also bowled a couple of maiden overs. Notably, his economy rate was 5.18 only. Thus, Hasaranga can be a great asset in the IPL.
