Proteas audition for IPL mega auction against India in T20I series

Several Proteas stars have the perfect opportunity to audition for a handsome fee at the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in their four-match T20I series against India.

Among the South Africans, destructive batters Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals) are the only two who have been retained by their franchises.

In total 92 South African cricketers have registered to be part of the next edition IPL – the largest number outside India.

More than 1,500 players have submitted their names to be part of the mega-auction list set to take place on 24 and 25 November in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Klaasen and Stubbs were retained for mammoth amounts of R48-million and R21-million respectively by their franchises while several other Proteas players will look to be picked up for figures close to that for eight weeks’ worth of work from March till May.

“It’s not the focus but with things like an auction, especially at big tournaments like the IPL, a lot of things can fall into place for players,” Proteas skipper Aiden Markram, who is one of the 92 players vying for a spot, said ahead of the T20I series against India.

“We’re fortunate that we’re playing a series against India pretty much just before the auction happens.

“That would be the bonus of doing well, firstly collectively and then for the individuals that put their hands up.

“It’s not your motivation to do well; it’s the bonus that could potentially follow.

“In the camp, there hasn’t been any discussions along those lines but if guys put their hands up and do well and it leads to more, certainly we’ll be very chuffed for them.”

Proteas pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada is expected to rake in a decent amount at the auction, despite being rested for the series against India, because of his reputation as one of the best fast bowlers in the world.

Mainstay Proteas finisher David Miller should also not struggle to find suitors at the auction, regardless of what happens against India.

But for everyone else, it’s an opportunity to be noticed by one of the franchise owners or to raise their value when the auction does roll around.

Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen have returned from a Proteas-sanctioned conditioning camp just in time for the series and could see their valuation pick up massively with stand-out performances against India.

Patrick Kruger and Nqaba Peter, who have both been solid in their debut international season, could also see themselves ticketing IPL contracts with noteworthy showings across the next week.

Proteas skipper Markram, meanwhile, would also like to see his recent fortunes with the bat change. Markram had a lean run throughout the T20 World Cup in June, only passing 20 on two occasions in nine innings.

He also hasn’t struck a T20 International half-century since October 2022. Markram, though, is in a positive mental state despite the recent batting woes.

“I’m pretty much just going by how I’m feeling and the mental state that I find myself in,” he said.

“If I feel like I’m in a good space, to trust that hopefully a score is around the corner.

“Obviously you acknowledge the fact that you want to make big scores and contribute massively to the team.”

During the 2023 IPL season, Markram was captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad but was stripped of the leadership this year as Aussie skipper Pat Cummins was given the reins.

Although his playing opportunities have dried up slightly, Markram gave assurances that he won’t move away from his aggressive game.

“It can be quite frustrating getting out after getting off to a quick start, but you don’t ever want to go into your shell after you find yourself getting in,” he said.

“You want to keep being expansive, keep taking the game on and through that way – not just for myself, but for my team as well – trust that a big score follows in quick time.

“It’s been frustrating to not have gotten a big one yet, but fortunately, mentally, I’m still in a good space and hoping I can contribute big time to the team in the series.”

The South African skipper will likely find a home at one of the IPL franchises but an upward turn in form against India would serve as a timely reminder to the IPL owners what he is capable of in the format. DM