The Board of Control Cricket in India introduced two new IPL franchises from Ahmedabad and Lucknow. These two teams will be looking to start the IPL on a high note. The biggest challenge in front of them is picking players from the auction pool. The IPL has given them a privilege to pick two Indian and one overseas player from the draft. Top players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Warner are likely to get picked in the draft itself. However, still these two teams have to pick the whole squad in the auction only.

1. Hardik Pandya 

Hardik Pandya is going to be one of the hottest names in the next year's auction. The stocks of local all-rounders are limited, and this factor might increase the value of Pandya In the auction. The Lucknow franchise will be keen to get the services of a star Indian all-rounder. He can lead the team also.

2. Yuzi Chahal 

Chahal was a part of the Bangalore franchise for a long time. However, he has decided to go into the auction this time. Chahal is a very clever spinner, who can trap batsman with his unplayable googlies. The Lucknow franchise will try their best to get Chahal in their team.

3. Ben Stokes 

The demand for overseas all-rounders always soared in the IPL auction. One reason behind this is unavailability of quality local all-rounders. Stokes is going with a big reputation, and he is likely to cause a bidding war among several franchises. Lucknow can also join the bidding.

4. Shikhar Dhawan 

Shikhar Dhawan has been playing at his prime form in the IPL. The star Indian opening batsman has remained in the top three highest run getters in the last three seasons. Dhawan is on the radar of various IPL franchises, and the Lucknow franchise might try to get him in an auction. He has tremendous success as a opener in this tournament.

5. Ravi Ashwin 

Ravi Ashwin has made a comeback in the white-ball cricket. The red-ball star has an experience of more than a hundred IPL matches. He has won many matches for his franchise on his own. Ashwin has experience of more than hundred IPL games.  Lucknow would love to get the service of Ashwin. He brings the option of captaincy also. If needed, he can score handy runs in lower down the order.

6. Ishan Kishan 

T20 cricket is known as a format for the Young players. Ishan Kishan is among the most demanded players at this moment. However, it will be easy for Lucknow to pick Ishan in the draft itself. Ishan is a young player, and Lucknow would love to invest in him.  He is a complete T20 player. He can bat, keep wickets and can field also.

7. Johnny Bairstow 

Bairstow is one of the best white-ball players in today's cricket. The right-hand batsman gives his team flexibility to bat at any position. Bairstow has already played for the Hyderabad franchise. He was so impressive in those seasons. However, he is going to next year's auction.

8. Kagiso Rabada 

Rabada is a front line bowler for his national cricket team. This right-arm fast bowler has played four seasons for Delhi. His record in the IPL is incredible. He won the purple cap in 2020. However, he's going to auction this year, so it's certain that he will cause a bidding war. Rabada has great skills and variations in the shortest format of the game.

9. Jofra Archer 

Jofra is a premium quality bowler, just like bumrah. The English player can rattle batsmans with fiery deliveries. He was named man of the tournament in the 2020 season. However, he didn't get retained by his former franchise. Lucknow will not mind this, and they are likely to go after him in the auction.

10. Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey is the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. He has experience of more than 100 IPL matches. Pandey is likely to cause a bidding war in the auction. The Lucknow franchise will be eyeing on pandey in the auction. He also give an option of captaincy. Pandey has immense success as a captain in the domestic cricket.