IPL Auction: With the mega IPL auction scheduled for the weekend, the focus undoubtedly is on some of the Indian players who are expected to fetch huge bids. Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Arshdeep Singh are big names who would generate interest and eye-popping sums. Here is a look at those and where they could end up.

Rishabh Pant: It shouldn’t come as a surprise if Pant ends up as the most expensive player. He may not have outstanding numbers in T20, but Pant as a package – left-handed batsman, wicketkeeper, captaincy material and versatility— is a unique aspect. With the ability to fulfil multiple roles, any team would prefer having him. So given the competition, he is expected to gain a lot of interest at the auction table.

Likely destination: Punjab Kings have the biggest purse. They have Ricky Ponting as the head coach. It seems the likeliest destination. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings – who are looking for a lead figure – could also join the race.

A star-studded list ????

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Shreyas Iyer: An Indian captain being released into the auction pool after winning the IPL title came as a surprise. It shows the demand factor, which means Shreyas would be a hot property. A middle-order batsman with an outstanding game against spin and captaincy material, Shreyas is a viable option to invest. It is the reason why he chose to enter the pool and it looks like a sensible move.

Likely destination: A reunion with Delhi Capitals seems highly likely. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants would be tempted by what Shreyas brings to the table. He will also be in Punjab’s wish-list.

Ishan Kishan: An aggressive opening batsman, who could also bat at No 3 and a wicketkeeper, Kishan ticks all the boxes when it comes to teams needing an aggressive batsman at the top. That Mumbai Indians let go came as a surprise. but many franchises would be interested in him. With many looking for an opening batsman and wicketkeeper, he would again witness several teams raising the paddle for him.

Likely destination: Kolkata Knight Riders could pursue him with interest as he fits their module perfectly. Similarly, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings could push for him alongside Chennai Super Kings.

KL Rahul: There is a lot of criticism around his strike-rate and what he can bring to the table. However, when his name comes up at the auction table, one can expect an intense battle for him. A versatile batsman who can bat at the top and in the middle, a wicketkeeper and a proven captain, he could receive a hefty price tag. The only thing to watch out for is how much franchises are ready to pay for him. A lot depends on when his name comes up.

Likely destination: A return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, his hometown franchise, looks a definite possibility. Should RCB have such thoughts, expect them to face competition from Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.

Arshdeep Singh: A player that Punjab Kings tried hard to retain but couldn’t. An Indian bowler, who can get wickets with the new ball and is hard to score off in the death overs, Arshdeep could be a hot property at the auction. Of late, teams have shown the tendency to spend big on pacers with X-factor and Arshdeep fits that bill. Like Pant, Arshdeep too would generate interest from several teams.

Likely destination: Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders – two teams who spend huge on bowlers could fight for him. Outside of them, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants would also be tempted to have him. Don’t rule out Punjab Kings to use RTM either.