Indian Premier League: Predicting 5 Hidden Gems in the 2014 IPL Auction

The seventh season of the Indian Premier League is fast approaching, but before the action on the field begins, there is of course the crucial matter of the players auction. 

This year, the players auction will be even more important than normal.

Last season was the end of a three-year contract cycle, meaning many more players will be in the pool of options this time around. 

The results could make or break not only the fortunes of teams in the coming season, but in the two seasons that follow as well. 

While players obviously need to perform on the pitch, significant strengths and weaknesses are formed in the function rooms of the auction.

Many of the players signed by franchises will be marquee names with obvious strength and prowess in the international game and Twenty20 formats. However, there are always a huge number of less-known players, who could be of enormous value to franchises at bargain prices.

In this slideshow, Bleacher Report will identify a number of potential hidden gems in this year's auction. By "hidden gems," we mean players that may be overlooked or undervalued. 

It's worth noting that the complete list of players who have submitted their name for the auction is not released until just days before the day itself on February 12.

In most cases, it is relatively safe to assume the player in question will be involved.

For a complete guide to the 2014 players auction and rules, click here. 

Kusal Perera

Source: ESPNcricinfo

Kusal Perera was bought by the Rajasthan Royals last year, but only played two matches, making just 14 runs. 

Perera is a powerful left-handed top-order batsman who can also keep wicket. He has played 19 ODIs and nine T20s for his country, Sri Lanka.  

It's as a batsman where he shines.

He is a clean, powerful striker of the ball, who modelled his game on ODI giant Sanath Jayasuriya. He has also struck a 275-ball 336 in first-class cricket.

Until recently, there have been doubts about his ability to convert his evident talent into international runs. However, a string of strong showings against Pakistan in the Middle East have given greater hope to the eventual fulfilment of his enormous potential. 

Ravi Bopara

England limited-overs all-rounder Ravi Bopara is not necessarily an obvious choice for a player who may slip under the radar of franchises.

After all, he has played for Kings XI Punjab before, and has had success. 

However, Bopara went unsold at the auction last year following a dip in form. In the year since, he has experienced somewhat of a renaissance, but he has done so relatively inconspicuously.

Rather than a leading light of England's limited-overs teams, he has become a useful utility player—bludgeoning runs down the order and bowling very frugal overs.

Bopara has been playing in the Big Bash in Australia, and it is quite clear that England now view him as a short-format player only. Therefore, his availability—always an issue with English players because of season clashes—should not be a problem.

A franchise could definitely get Bopara on the cheap, and he could prove excellent value for money.

Mitchell McClenaghan

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The tall, well-built and fast-bowling Kiwi has all the attributes to become a very successful bowler. 

In 2013, he had an excellent year, forcing his way into New Zealand's ODI and T20 sides. He also became one of the top wicket-takers in the Champions Trophy before signing a contract with Lancashire to play in the Friends Life T20. 

His style of bowling may not necessarily be suited to Indian pitches, but against local opening batsmen his pace and bounce could prove too much despite the conditions. 

Henry Davids

Gallo Images/Getty Images

The 33-year-old South African is a relative veteran of the format, having played 94 such matches. 

Davids has impressed for both the Cape Cobras and now the Titans in South African domestic cricket and the Champions League. He has played a handful of limited-overs matches for South Africa, albeit without much success.

Not only is he a powerful stroke-maker, his experience brings maturity and calm to his batting that is often astray amongst such players. 

Michael Klinger

Morne de Klerk/Getty Images

Less marketable players often go for a lower price at the auction, and 33-year-old Michael Klinger is not a name that will put bums on seats just yet. 

However, franchises should recognise the strengths of his batting, which like Davids' is powerful but tempered with experience and circumspection.

He was in the Kochi Tuskers Kerala squad in the past and has had a good start to his season with Adelaide in the Big Bash.