The Caribbean flavor has always been an integral part of the TATA IPL. The big guys from the West Indies add the punch to this league. Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, and Dwayne Bravo are some names that have become a part of every household of India. Kieron Pollard was also the most expensive pick in the 2010 IPL Auction. Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer are two prospects that have reached the top in recent times. So, who are the top West Indian players in the TATA IPL Auction:
7) Akeal Hossien is one of the top West Indian Players:
The left-arm spinner from Trinidad made a mark on the international stage with his splendid one-handed catch in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Akeal has been working hard in the West Indies domestic circuit for quite some time. The 28-year-old has a lot of experience. He has played for the Trinbago in the CPL. That is from where he came into major recognition.
6) Dwayne Bravo:
Dwayne Bravo is a tried and tested commodity. Bravo is also from Trinidad and Tobago. Bravo started as an all-rounder. But over the years, his batting abilities have lowered their stocks. However, batsmen are still not able to figure out his slower balls. They are very well disguised. His off-cutters are another brutal weapon. Bravo has been on the international scene since 2004. He will add value to any youngster on the team.
5) Jason Holder is one of the top West Indian Players:
After being named as a captaincy candidate by Aakash Chopra, Jason Holder has got some heads turning. Jason Holder has led the West Indies previously and that improves his resume. Holder will provide you with a bank of 4 economical overs and at the same time give you reliable number 7 batting. He provides the much-needed balance. His experience will also add value and he can be a part of the leadership group.
4) Rovman Powell:
After tonking the English bowlers all over the park and scoring a match-winning hundred, Rovman Powell is expected to earn big bucks. Powell came in at number 4 and slammed the bowlers for an exquisite 107 runs. He smoked 10 sixes in that innings! He is the typical Caribbean package as he provides 2 to 3 overs of right-arm medium-pace bowling.
3) Odean Smith/ Romario Shepherd is one of the top West Indian Players:
Odean Smith and Romario Shepherd happen to be the joint highest wicket-takers in CPL 2021. Both the players are like to like replacements. If one team misses out on Romario, they can go for Odean! Both are also effective pinch-hitters. Romario has a strike rate of over 150 while Odean has it just over 140. They have the experience of playing in crunch situations. Odean Smith played for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL. Romario played for the Guyana Amazon Warriors too!
2) Nicholas Pooran:
Nicholas Pooran has been around the corner for some time now. After being a part of the Mumbai Indians back in 2017, Nicholas met with a car accident that changed his life. Recovering from, the incident, Nicholas worked well on his game. He currently is one of the best hitters on the ball. Nicholas had settled at the Kings XI Punjab for the 2019,2020 and 2021 seasons. He did decently well for the franchise but had a very bad IPL 2021. He was out for 3 consecutive ducks. However, his exploits in the T10 League have nullified that failure. Pooran hits them big in the mid-wicket and leg side region. He also attacks the spinners exceptionally well.
Honorable Mentions:
1) Ewin Lewis
2) Sherfane Rutherford
3) Fabian Allen
1)Shimron Hetmyer:
Not retaining Shimron Hetmyer might have been a tough pill to digest for the Delhi Capitals. Ever since leaving the RCB camp back in 2019, he had become an asset for the Capitals batting at numbers 6 and 7. He has the Yuraj-like nature to his game. When Shimron is in the park, he rules the game. He also has a very strong bottom hand. Hetmyer can also be used as a floater and will prove value for money for any team that he plays.
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