The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction has over the years seen many bidding wars between the leading franchises as they tried to outdo their opponents while going for a marquee cricketer. Sometimes, we have noticed rookie players being sold for unbelievably huge amounts of money because of a bidding battle between teams.

Every IPL franchise goes into the auction with a huge amount of money and they have their respective strategies and plans, budgets in place for respective players. When the choice and interest of two or more teams collide with each other’s, then we see a bidding action that will most certainly happen in IPL auctions. The IPL 2020 auction is going to be held on December 19 in Kolkata.

Here are the three players who we think have the skills and talent that could give a kick-start to the bidding war:

Chris Lynn

The Australian cricketer was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team, which was a rather fast move as Lynn displayed outstanding performances in the just-concluded Abu Dhabi T10 match. He regained his good form at just the right time and, thus, could turn out to be a hot asset at the auctions. KKR might want to get him back but other sides too could look at Lynn to beef up their options. Teams like Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals could be the other sides who could go full throttle for Lynn. Interesting times lie ahead.

Colin de Grandhomme

The New Zealand all-rounder player was released by the Team Royal Challengers Bangalore, and there could be a bidding war for him, as he is present in every franchise’s wishlist. He is a powerful batsman, a very canny bowler, and an extremely safe fielder which makes him a lucrative T20 option. Teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and even Kings XI Punjab could go for him and in order to get him in their teams for the upcoming season.

Tom Banton

He is England’s newest T20 sensation and has had a magnificent campaign in the NatWest T20 match. He scored 549 runs at a strike-rate of 161.47. He also got selected for the national side and impressed the crowds with his strokes and promise.

He has a very solid technique, which could hold him in good stead. He is a good batsman against slower bowlers in India on sluggish pitches. In a conversation, he has already said that Mumbai Indians is his favorite side. It would, therefore, be interesting to see if the defending champs go after him.