Whenever the IPL makes a move, the cricketing world stops in its track. The T20 league is back with an even bigger edition after its broadcast rights were sold for $2.5 billion, allowing for a 20 per cent surge in players’ salary pool with $12m being distributed for each team.

Now more than 1,100 players from 13 countries including India go into the auction pool and will know their fate on January 27-28 when the teams, having already picked the players they want to retain, bid for their services.

With some of the biggest names in Indian and international cricket queuing up to get a piece of the IPL pie, we look at five ‘special’ international players hoping to make their IPL debut this season.

JOE ROOT

Root is likely to chase the riches of the IPL.

The England Test captain has expressed his desire to test his mettle in the premier T20 tournament as he feels he is falling behind the likes of Kohli and Steven Smith in the race to be the best all-format all-condition batsman. After his match-winning 91 not out against the Aussies in the first ODI in Melbourne, it will be interesting to see how many teams line up for his signature even though he doesn’t come across as the most dynamic T20 player.

EVIN LEWIS

Lewis is capable of hitting big.

The West Indies southpaw has been labelled as the upgraded version of Chris Gayle. Lewis has reached three figures twice against India in T20s, even though his maiden ton in 2016 wasn’t enough for an IPL call-up. However, his whirlwind 125 not out in a T20 against the Indians off 62 balls in July and a superlative 176 off 130 balls during an ODI in England in September should make the marauding batsman an extremely attractive option.

NIROSHAN DICKWELLA

Dickwella possesses a great strike rate.

The Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman is ideal for the shortest format. He is a reliable gloveman and his batting is innovative and fearless, with a strike rate of 140 in 42 T20s. And, his form hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Indians who played against the Islanders for back-to-back full series home and away within a matter of months late last year.

D’ARCY SHORT

Fine form: Short.

IPL franchises always keep an eye out for Aussie talent and Short is as exciting as they come. Even though he has a base price of just $40,000, expect some fierce bidding for him after the 27-year-old smashed a Big Bash League record 122 from 69 balls for Hobart Hurricanes this month. After 15 T20s, Short is averaging 43 with a strike rate of nearly 160. Add to it the fact he is a left-hander and the Aussie looks set for a giant leap in not only franchise but also international cricket.

JOFRA ARCHER

Jofra Archer has been plying his trade in the BBL.

One of the most exciting all-round youngsters to emerge last season, Jofra is another ridiculously talented cricketer from the Caribbean. Though born in Barbados, Archer aims to one day play for England. In the meantime, Archer is making everyone take notice of his 90mph plus thunderbolts and superb fielding in the Big Bash League. What’s more, he averages 37 with the bat in 20 first-class games for Sussex with six fifties to his name. Just watch the video of his caught and bowled off Ben Cutting in BBL. It is one of the most sensational pieces of cricket you will see.