Photos: Top 10 overseas players who can be big buys in the IPL 2021 auction

Dawid Malan: There is a lot of buzz around this explosive English batsman, currently the No. 1 ranked T20I batsman in the world. He has a glittering record of 855 runs in just 19 innings in international cricket to justify all the excitement - hence it won't be a surprise if the IPL franchises decide to break the bank for him to add the X-factor to their line-up.

Steve Smith: The former Australian captain and one of the best all-format batsmen in the world was released by Rajasthan Royals due to an indifferent season with the bat. However, Smith can be an asset to any side with his ability to stabilise the innings, play long knocks and accelerate the run-rate apart from being a captaincy candidate with his class and experience.

Glenn Maxwell: 'Mad Max,' who failed to fire for Kings XI Punjab last year, always manages to attract big bids. However, his performances in the T20I and ODI series that followed IPL 2020 were hugely impressive and he had a decent Big Bash 2020-21 where he scored 379 runs at a strike rate of 143.56 and took seven wickets. His long experience of playing in the league, along with the handy off-spin bowling, can still be alluring for any team which likes the Australian favour.

Jason Roy: One of the leading stars of England's white-ball revolution, Roy gave last year's IPL a skip at the last minute despite being roped in by Delhi Capitals. However, the explosive opener looks ready for the Indian sojourn this season and must be in a good frame of mind after scoring 355 for Perth Scorchers in Big Bash 2020-21 at a strike rate of 130.51. Will the Capitals go for him again? We will know soon.

Alex Hales: The journeyman English opener had a dream Big Bash recently, rustling up 543 runs at a whopping strike rate of 161.60 with three fifties and one century to finish as the highest run-getter. He accounted for 30 sixes and 54 boundaries. The statistics must be under scrutiny by the various bidding think tanks and make him a potential candidate for drawing big bids.

Shakib Al Hasan: The former Bangladesh captain, who has kept his base price at Rs 20 million in what would be his first season after his two-year ban, surely knows his worth. A IPL veteran who has had long stints with Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, can trigger a bidding war for his versatility as an allrounder - not to speak of his sound knowledge of the Indian conditions.

Chris Morris: The seasoned South African all-rounder had a decent outing with Royal Challengers Bangalore last season, but was released ostensibly with a question mark over his fitness. A capable hitter of the cricket ball down the order, Morris is a reliable death overs bowler and he's the type of player that every franchise desires.

Kylie Jamieson: The giant New Zealand quick made his debut in the two-Test series against India in early 2020 and has made the cricketing world sit up immediately. In only six Tests so far, Jamieson boasts 36 wickets at an amazing average of 13.27 while his strike rate is 33.3. It's true that T20 cricket is a different kettle of fish, but four overs from a quality fast bowler like Jamieson, with his height advantage,can often break the back of rival batting order.

Jhye Richardson: The lanky fast bowler's stocks will be high at the auction as in the recently concluded Big Bash, Richardson emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 29 wickets for Perth Scorchers at an average of 16.31. His economy rate was a mingy 7.69 and according to the buzz in the media, at least three franchises are eyeing the 24-year-old to lend firepower to their bowling department.

Aaron Finch: The white ball captain of Australia, who was released by the Royal Challengers Bangalore management, is too valuable a batsman not to be considered by any of the franchises. His pinch-hitting capability, coupled with experience, can make him an asset in any team's leadership group.