Australia fast bowler Jhye Richardson is one of the hottest picks in the upcoming Indian T20 League auction 2021 to be held on February 18.
The 24-year-old was the standout pacer in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) as he finished as the highest wicket-taker in BBL 10. Richardson picked 29 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 16.31, including two four-wicket hauls.
The Perth Scorchers pacer was initially named in Australia's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup but was later completely ruled out of that tournament due to a dislocated shoulder.
With several Indian T20 League franchises eyeing overseas pace bowlers, Richardson could cause a bidding war in the upcoming auction. Here we list out three teams who should ideally splash the cash for Jhye Richardson.
Bangalore
Having released all-rounder Chris Morris and with pacer Dale Steyn opting out of Indian T20 League 2021, Virat Kohli-led Bangalore will look to bolster their pace bowling department with some quality fast bowlers in the upcoming auction. Currently, the Bangalore franchise has only three pacers including Australia pacer Kane Richardson, and they have just traded in Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams and Indian fast bowler Harshal Patel. So, Jhye Richardson could just be the perfect choice as the overseas fast bowling option for Bangalore.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan had a disastrous campaign last time around as they finished at the bottom of the Indian T20 League 2020 points table. The franchise has already released their former captain Steve Smith and appointed Sanju Samson as their new skipper. The Rajasthan team lacked potency in their bowling department as they failed to defend totals in the UAE. Apart from Jofra Archer, other fast bowlers struggled to make an impact. Another young prospect Kartik Tyagi blew hot and cold in the last edition of the league. Rajasthan must buy Richardson as he would provide Archer with excellent support in the opening as well as the death overs.
Punjab
KL Rahul-led Punjab had another torrid run in the 13th edition of the Indian T20 League in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they finished sixth in the eight-team tournament. As a consequence, Punjab’s team management took some harsh calls as they released huge names including Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Jimmy Neesham.
Punjab now have the biggest purse balance of all eight teams (53.2 crores) and they will look for some massive reinforcements. Rahul’s side might put some strong bids for Jhye Richardson during the upcoming auction.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter/cricketcomau
