The Australian season has not quite finished, but there is an extensive list of players who are headed overseas to the IPL – some continuing their deals from last season, some moving franchises, and others either fresh to the tournament or returning after a gap.
Dan Christian (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
“Old blokes win stuff,” is Christian’s mantra, and he has become a T20 title machine. The BBL title with the Sydney Sixers was the ninth of his career, but he doesn’t have one from the IPL, where he returns after three years. Christian has turned himself into a superb finisher with the bat and there is a belief in some quarters that Australia should consider him again for their troublesome middle order. That seems unlikely now, but if he impresses at the IPL, the conversation will continue.
Price tag INR 4.4 crore (approx A$850,000)
IPL history Deccan Chargers (2011, 2012); Royal Challenges Bangalore (2013, 2021); Rising Pune Supergiant (2017); Delhi Daredevils (2018)
T20 stats Matches 347; Inns: 298; Runs: 5171; Avg: 23.93; SR: 140.05 | Wickets: 259; Avg: 28.56; Econ: 8.44
IPL stats Matches: 40; Inns: 34; Runs: 446; Avg: 17.84; SR: 119.25 | Wickets: 34; Avg: 30.50; Econ: 7.94
Recent form Had a superb all-round BBL with the Sixers where he scored 272 runs at a strike-rate of 182.55 – excelling in the new Power Surge period – and coupled that with 15 wickets, often bowling at tough times. He had chipped in with bat and ball for the Karachi Kings at the PSL before the tournament was called off too.
No longer in the frame for Australia selection and without a state contract, Coulter-Nile is heading towards a team-by-team T20 lifestyle in the latter stage of his career. Having been bought for A$1.63 million in the 2020 auction, he was released by champions Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2021 season after having claimed five wickets in seven games last season, But then he was bought back at a still-not-insignificant price.
Price tag INR 5 crore (approx A$885,000)
IPL history Mumbai Indians (2013, 2020, 2021); Delhi Daredevils (2014-2016); Kolkata Knight Riders (2017)
T20 stats Matches 133; Inns: 75; Runs: 663; Avg: 14.41; SR: 134.21 | Wickets: 156; Avg: 23.41; Econ: 7.77
IPL stats Matches: 33; Inns: 14; Runs: 77; Avg: 8.55; SR: 118.46 | Wickets: 41; Avg: 22.56; Econ: 7.71
Recent form He had an injury-disrupted BBL where he played six games for the Melbourne Stars. It started well with a career-best 4 for 10 against the Brisbane Heat, but while he took wickets on his return at the back-end of the group stage, he was also expensive.
Ben Cutting (Kolkata Knight Riders)
The allrounder is back in the IPL after missing last season, this time with his fourth franchise. A strong middle-order hitter (another player who made use of the BBL Power Surge rule well) and a bowler who can still get it through at decent pace – although it’s certainly his second-string these days. Like Christian, there is sometimes a thought that he wasn’t given enough chances for Australia, but that ship has sailed.
Price tag INR 75 lakh (approx A$132,000)
IPL history Rajasthan Royals (2014), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016, 2017), Mumbai Indians (2018, 2019)
T20 stats Matches: 171; Inns: 143; Runs: 2368; Avg: 22.76; SR: 149.02 | Wickets: 128; Avg: 31.82; Econ: 8.99
IPL stats Matches: 21; Inns: 17; Runs: 238; Avg: 21.63; SR: 168.79 | Wickets: 10; Avg: 42.90; Econ: 9.16
Recent form Had a decent impact for the Sydney Thunder, his new team, in the BBL where he scored 280 runs at a strike rate of 156.42, his best return with the bat in a BBL season. Produced limited returns in five outings for the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.
Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Among the premier fast bowlers of the current generation, after his record-breaking IPL deal in 2020, Cummins had a slow tournament with three wickets in ten matches before claiming nine in the last four, including a haul of 4 for 34 in the last group match, but it was enough for the Knight Riders to reach the playoffs.
Price tag INR 15.5 crore (approx A$2,900,000)
IPL history Kolkata Knight Riders (2014, 2015, 2020, 2021); Delhi Daredevils (2017), Mumbai Indians (2018)
T20 stats Matches: 96; Wickets: 109; Avg: 25.49; Econ: 7.75
IPL stats Matches: 30; Wickets: 29; Avg: 31.31; Econ 8.09
Recent form Hasn’t played a T20 since the last IPL after being rested for India’s series in Australia and not playing in the BBL. Has bowled well for New South Wales in the one-day competition where he has been captain.
The allrounder is back in the IPL for the first time in four years (with his fifth team) after being a consistent performer for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL. He earned a recall to the Australia side this season and played the three T20Is against India.
Price tag INR 4.2 crore (approx A$740,000)
IPL history Kolkata Knight Riders (2009), Delhi Daredevils (2010), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2013), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014-2017)
T20 stats Matches: 213; Inns: 191; Runs: 3991; Avg: 26.96; SR: 128.65 | Wickets: 111; Avg: 29.98; Econ: 8.29
IPL stats Matches: 57; Inns: 50; Runs: 969; Avg: 28.50; SR: 128.17 | Wickets: 38; Avg: 32.73; Econ: 8.38
Recent form He was a part of the Test squad, and could only play five BBL matches for the Sixers, but Henriques scored 155 runs in four innings and captained them to back-to-back titles. Bowls much less these days but showed he could still be effective with 3 for 22 against India in Canberra.
Remains one of the most destructive players around, although it sometimes feels he doesn’t give himself the best chance to make the most of it. Didn’t make an appearance for the Mumbai Indians last season but was retained before the latest auction.
Price tag INR 2 crore (approx A$370,000)
IPL history Deccan Chargers (2011, 2012), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013), Kolkata Knight Riders (2014-2019), Mumbai Indians (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 210; Inns: 203; Runs: 5726; Avg: 31.63; SR: 143.72
IPL stats Matches: 41; Inns: 41; Runs: 1280; Avg 33.68; SR: 140.65
Recent form Was comfortably Brisbane Heat’s leading run-scorer in the BBL with 458 at 35.23 and a strike rate of 154.72 despite missing a handful of games due to injury. Started the PSL with scores of 1, 1 and 0.
Glenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
The curious world of the IPL! Maxwell was released by the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) after a poor 2020 tournament where he scored just 108 runs in 11 innings and did not hit a six, but was then bought for an even more eye-watering sum by the Royal Challengers, which sees him join forces with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. If it comes off, it will be spectacular.
Price tag INR 14.25 crore (approx A$2,500,000)
IPL history Delhi Daredevils (2012, 2018), Mumbai Indians (2013), Kings XI Punjab (2014-2017, 2020)
T20 stats Matches: 306; Inns: 286; Runs: 6674; Avg: 27.02; SR: 152.37 | Wickets: 110; Avg: 31.41; Econ: 7.70
IPL stats Matches: 82; Inns: 79; Runs: 1505; Avg: 22.13; SR: 154.67 | Wickets: 19; Avg: 41.05; Econ: 8.57
Recent form Had a solid BBL with the Stars were he struck three half-centuries – one of them in a brutal stand alongside Nicholas Pooran – alongside three ducks. Made one decisive contribution in the series against New Zealand with a powerful 70 off 37 balls in Wellington.
One of this season’s new faces in the IPL, Meredith is a bowler capable of high speed – an asset clearly in demand in the competition – although his price tag, as he become a millionaire, was still something of a surprise.
Price tag INR 8 crore (approx A$1,400,000)
T20 stats Matches: 37; Wickets: 47; Avg: 23.38; Econ: 8.02
Recent form Had a decent BBL for the Hobart Hurricanes with 16 wickets in 13 matches, and then made his Australia debut in New Zealand where he twice pinned Kane Williamson lbw.
Like Meredith, this is Richardson’s first appearance in the IPL after an injury-disrupted couple of years, which began with a dislocated shoulder ahead of the 2019 World Cup. He came with some hectic bidding, which eventually went the way of the Punjab Kings. Capable of skiddy pace and late swing, he could be valuable in the powerplay.
Price tag INR 14 crore (approx A$2,500,00)
T20 stats Matches: 67; Wickets: 82; Avg: 23.43; Econ: 7.92
Recent form Was the leading wicket-taker in the BBL with 29 scalps for the Perth Scorchers, although he faded a little late in the tournament. But then he took four wickets in five matches against New Zealand on his return to international cricket.
14:30
We were thrilled to get Steven Smith just above his base price – Parth Jindal
Richardson withdrew from his deal last year, so he could be at home for the birth of his child, but was retained by the Royal Challengers. This will be his first appearance in the IPL since 2016. His three previous campaigns only amounted to 14 matches, but he is a better-rounded bowler now than when he last played.
Price tag INR 4 crore (approx A$720,000)
IPL history Pune Warriors India (2013), Rajasthan Royals (2014), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2016)
T20 stats Matches: 126; Wickets: 152; Avg: 23.42; Econ: 7.93
IPL stats Matches: 14; Wickets: 18; Avg: 24.61; Econ: 8.38
Recent form Took 15 wickets in 11 matches for bottom club the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL before his tournament ended early with injury. Took seven wickets in the series against New Zealand including two three-wicket hauls.
Daniel Sams (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Sams was a late addition last season when he replaced Jason Roy at the Delhi Capitals, but they released him after three wicketless outings and he has been picked up by the Royal Challengers. He has enjoyed a batting revival of late with some powerful displays for the Sydney Thunder and Australia, although he probably remains a 50-50 shout to make the World Cup squad.
Price tag INR 30 lakh (approx A$54,000)
IPL history Delhi Capitals (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 54; Inns: 44; Runs: 485; Avg: 13.85; SR: 148.31 | Wickets: 67; Avg: 22.17; Econ: 8.55
Recent form Had a superb strike rate of 188.67 for the Thunder (scoring 200 runs) and picked up 11 wickets in a season where he twice missed games due to injury. Hammered 41 off 15 balls in the second T20I against New Zealand in Dunedin, but was then left out.
It has been a major pay cut for Smith after he was released by the Rajasthan Royals following a disappointing 2020 (311 runs at 25.91) and then bought by Ricky Ponting’s Capitals. He has been hampered by an elbow problem in the lead-up, which has led to him being sidelined for New South Wales. But he returned to action the day before flying to India.
Price tag INR 2.2 crore (approx A$390,000)
IPL history Pune Warriors India (2012, 2013), Rising Pune Supergiant (2016, 2017), Rajasthan Royals (2014-2015, 2019, 2020)
T20 stats Matches: 209; Inns: 185; Runs: 4438; Avg: 30.60; SR: 126.40 | Wickets: 54; Avg: 19.55; Econ: 7.68
IPL stats Matches: 95; Inns: 86; Runs: 2333; Avg: 35.34; SR: 129.25
Recent form His only T20s since the last IPL were in the three-match series against India in December, since he did not take part in the Sydney Sixers’ BBL campaign. Made 213 runs in two one-day innings for New South Wales either side of his layoff.
The allrounder had a solid 2020 tournament with 352 runs and 13 wickets, taking on a middle-order role that appears the position he will need to occupy for Australia, whereas in the BBL he opens the innings.
Price tag INR 4.8 crore (approx A$900,000)
IPL history Delhi Daredevils (2015); Kings XI Punjab (2016-2018), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019), Delhi Capitals (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 153; 140: 185; Runs: 3418; Avg: 32.24; SR: 132.84 | Wickets: 78; Avg: 26.71; Econ: 8.83
IPL stats Matches: 46; Inns: 42; Runs: 825; Avg: 28.44; SR: 137.27 | Wickets: 28; Avg: 30.42; Econ: 9.37
Recent form Was a solid performer for the Stars, if short of his spectacular returns in the 2019-2020 season. For the second Australian season in a row, injury limited Stoinis’ bowling. In New Zealand, he played a thrilling innings in Dunedin, hitting 78 off 47 balls.
Only made one appearance for the Royals last season but was on their retained list. Made his name with an array of slower balls, but bowled faster than ever in the recent Australian season following work on his action. Made his comeback for Australia against India last year
Price tag INR 1 crore (approx A$190,000)
IPL history Chennai Super Kings (2015-16); Gujarat Lions (2017); Kings XI Punjab (2018-19), Rajasthan Royals (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 162 Wickets: 218; Avg: 21.68; Econ 8.06
IPL stats Matches: 27; Wickets: 40; Avg: 21.80; Econ 8.46
Recent form Took 21 wickets for the Perth Scorchers, second behind Jhye Richardson, as they reached the BBL final. Was part of the Australia squad in New Zealand but did not get a game.
Last season’s IPL was not as prolific as some for Warner (although 548 runs at 39.14 isn’t too shabby) and he has since had an injury-disrupted Australia season because of the groin strain he suffered against India. He has admitted he came back too soon for the Test series and would likely be feeling the effects of it for much of the year.
Price tag INR 12.5 crore (approx A$2,300,000)
IPL history Delhi Daredevils (2009-2013); Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014-2020)
T20 stats Matches: 298; Inns: 297; Runs: 9824; Avg 37.93; SR: 141.57
IPL stats Matches: 142; Inns: 142; Runs: 5254; Avg 42.71; SR: 141.54
Recent form Hasn’t played any T20s since the IPL. Has been in good form for New South Wales with scores of 87 and 108 in one-day matches.
Adam Zampa (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
The legspinner had a bit-part role to play for the Royal Challengers after being a late replacement for Kane Richardson, making just three appearances and taking two wickets but the franchise retained him for this season. He will miss at least the first match because of his marriage.
Price tag INR 1.5 crore (approx A$270,000)
IPL history Rising Pune Supergiant (2016-17), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 173 Wickets: 200; Avg: 22.01; Econ 7.36
IPL stats Matches: 14 Wickets: 21; Avg: 17.61; Econ 7.73
Recent form Was the Melbourne Stars’ leading wicket-taker at the BBL with 19 wickets at 17.47, and then picked up four wickets on the tour of New Zealand, although his economy rate was high at 9.48.
Players to have withdrawn
Josh Hazlewood (Chennai Super Kings)
Mitchell Marsh (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Josh Philippe (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Andrew McGlashan is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo
Source: ESPN Crickinfo