Viru puzzle unsolved, De Kock, Corey on IPL teams' wish-list

New Delhi: Virender Sehwag's string of poor scores in domestic cricket is likely to affect his chances of bagging a lucrative deal in the IPL VII as it looks highly unlikely that he would be retained by his current franchise Delhi Daredevils.

The eight existing franchises need to submit their 'Player Retention List' by January 10.

However talented left-handers --- South Africa's Quinton de Kock along with latest batting sensation from New Zealand Corey Anderson are two players who are likely to fetch a substancial amount during the next month's IPL auction.

Sehwag has been with the Delhi frachise from the first edition as an icon player and subsequently been retained at the various stages during the later part of the cash-rich league.

After a poor IPL season last time and only 234 runs in 13 innings in the Ranji Trophy at less than 19.50 leaves Daredevils with little option but to send the 'Nawab of Najafgarh' back to the auction pool.

"Supposedly, the Daredevils goes for retention, Sehwag will either be bought for Rs 12.5 crore or Rs 9.5 crore as the GMR group-owned franchise logically doesn't have a reason to retain more than two players as it will affect their purse of Rs 60 crore allotted to buy a full squad", a top IPL official said.

"Retaining an in-form David Warner looks more viable option although Daredevils might just look to start afresh after their horrible run last season", the official said.

Question remains whether coach Gary Kirsten, who is likely to have a final say in cricketing matters along with top management, will like to shell out that sum for a player whose retention is nothing more than a gamble at this stage.Kirsten, India's most successful chief national coach would like to start his IPL journey with a clean slate.

The 35-year-old India discard is no longer a certainty even in shortest format considering his current form which has taken a nosedive.

The Daredevils have an option of buying Sehwag back at a significantly lesser value using their 'Right To Match' card but question remains whether Sehwag will like to play at a lesser salary.

In the earlier editions, we have seen players like VVS Laxman lowering their base price and buzz is that Sehwag might have to lower his base price in order to keep the interest in the franchises, who have become sharper when it comes to economics of team making.

As far as the auctions are concerned, De Kock will certainly be one of the hottest picks after his hat-trick of ODI centuries against India and also that he can double up as a wicketkeeper.

Teams like Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils will be interested in De Kock.

Anderson is another man who is supposed to grab the eye-balls after his breathtaking 36-ball-100 for New Zealand against the West Indies on New Year's eve.

Just like South African Richard Levi was signed by Mumbai Indians before last edition after he scores the fastest T20 International ton in 45 balls against New Zealand. But MI had an advantage as there was no auction last year but with the auctions on, Anderson could be one of the most sought-after players in IPL.