The Indian Premier League is fast approaching (starts April 5) and although most of the squads appear settled, there are last-minute tweaks which could have a huge impact on where the value does not, or does, lie.
There have been significant ins and outs this week at Rising Pune Supergiants and the Delhi Daredevils. And both teams are undergoing important change.
First the Supergiants. If there was an award for the most bizarre and poorly-judged signing strategy – it may well prove to be a bottom-placed finish and the wooden spoon – then this lot might win it hands down.
We have already laughed at their signature of Ben Stokes for a record £1.6 million. An all-rounder who won’t be able to play in the business end of the tournament. It was a move which looked even dumber when they lost Mitchell Marsh, who would have been Stokes’ back-up, to injury.
So they have moved quickly to replace Marsh, whose batting and bowling ability would have been key. And who have they replaced him with? Logic would dictate another all-rounder who would be able to go with them to the play-offs if need be.
Nope. A spinner. Imran Tahir has joined up. Look, Tahir is a good player. Of that there is no doubt. But he’s not an all-rounder. Nor is he guaranteed to last the distance with South Africa likely to want him fresh for the Champions Trophy.
It is a signing that beggars belief because Tahir might not actually get into their XI. They already have a world class spinner in Ravi Ashwin. And his back up is the admirable Adam Zampa from Australia. And with only four slots for overseas players it is utterly baffling how they Tahir will possibly be needed.
Supergiants are 8.5 with Stan James. And the firm are onto them. They’ve pushed them out half a point in the wake of that odd call. They are 4.6 with Bookmaker to finish bottom.
Delhi have had a very bad week. They lost JP Duminy to “personal reasons” and now Quinton de Kock, who has a finger injury, looks likely to miss out as well.
We were quite down on Delhi earlier. But we’re beginning to change our mind. We were never keen on them being reliant on South Africa players – they also have Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris – who would up sticks and leave just before the knockouts.
So this gives them a chance to redress the balance. They could replace Duminy and De Kock with two decent players who will be available for the full term.
They are 8 at most green listed sportsbooks. That’s not value and we expect that price to get bigger when the De Kock news takes hold.
It is an ever-changing build-up to the IPL and we can’t be sure just yet which outfit is strong or weak. It could all change with one or two late signings.
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