The latest edition of the Abu Dhabi T10, which ended with the Northern Warriors lifting the trophy, had the world’s attention throughout the course of the tournament. It saw many players, both veterans and rookies, steal the limelight with their world-class performances, which, in turn, brings them opportunities from across the world. And with the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction coming up in a few days, there are several players from 2020 ADT10 that are set to go under the hammer.
Here, we take a look at five cricketers from the recently concluded Abu Dhabi T10 that can be hot picks in the upcoming IPL auction 2021.
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Wicket-keeper batsman
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is an Afghan youngster with impeccable batting skills at the top of the order and equally effective glovework behind the stumps. He made vital contributions for the Delhi Bulls in 2020 ADT10 by garnering 177 runs in eight matches at a superb strike-rate of close to 200.
Gurbaz rose to prominence by leading his team, Kabul Eagles, to the title in the 2020 Shpageeza Cricket League – Afghanistan’s premier T20 competition. The 19-year-old also scored a ton on his ODI debut last month against Ireland and is one of the most exciting prospects in the world right now.
2. Fabian Allen – Bowling all-rounder
Fabian Allen can take wickets and also put a cap on the flow of runs – two of the most sought-after abilities in the shorter formats of cricket. The Abu Dhabi T10 winners, Northern Warriors, relied on him to provide key breakthroughs. Allen finished 2020 ADT10 as the second-highest wicket-taker by snaring 11 at a healthy average of 9.8 and also bagged a four-wicket haul.
In the IPL 2021 auction, the West Indies international can be a great asset as an all-rounder who can pick wickets and add runs at the end with his slog hitting.
3. Ravi Bopara – Batsman
Ravi Bopara is an experienced campaigner that can anchor the innings by coming in at number three or four and remarkably did so for the Delhi Bulls this season. With 165 runs and an average of over 41 in 2020 ADT10, Bopara carefully guided the innings in case of an early wicket.
The English batsman has played 370 T20s, amassing more than 7000 runs and has previously been a part of the Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. At a base price of 50 lakh in the IPL 2021 auction, he can be a hot-property among teams looking to add a veteran without splashing out big money.
4. Obed McCoy – Bowler
The fiery West Indian speedster impressed everyone with his searing pace and deceptive slower ones that outfoxed even the best batsmen in the Abu Dhabi T10. Obed McCoy was regularly among wickets, ending with just two less than the highest wicket-taker and was the primary reason why Team Abu Dhabi clinched third place in the tournament. The left-arm seamer made his senior team debut against India in 2018 and proved to be impactful with four scalps in two ODIs.
McCoy has the experience of playing T20s in the Caribbean Premier League for the St. Lucia Zouks and will be a potent addition to any IPL team.
5. Qais Ahmad – Bowler
Qais Ahmad is another Afghanistan youngster that grabbed eyeballs in The Abu Dhabi T10. A highly productive leg break bowler and a powerful finisher with the bat, the 20-year-old Afghan was the second-highest wicket-taker for Bangla Tigers in the tournament. He was terrific in the recent Lanka Premier League and along with his sublime skills with the leather and the willow, Qais is also a gun fielder, saving plenty of runs at the boundary line.
