In preparation for the IPL 2024 auction, the teams must carefully weigh various factors, taking into account the heightened demand and limited supply of players. Their primary emphasis will be on identifying and acquiring promising Indian talent for the upcoming season.
The upcoming IPL auction for the 2024 season is creating a buzz, with teams strategizing to secure the best players within their limited budgets. Scheduled for 19 December in Dubai, the mini-auction will see 333 players vying for 77 slots, with a total purse of ₹250 crore allocated.
Here’s a lowdown on the IPL 2024 Auction
When: December 19, 2023
Where: Dubai
Auction Start Time: 1 PM IST
Number of Shortlisted Players: 333
Vacant Slots: 77
Number of Indians: 214
Number of Overseas Players: 119
Players from Associate Nations: 2
Capped Players: 116
Uncapped Players: 215
Highest Base Price: Rs 2 crore (23 players in it)
Let’s delve into how each of the 10 IPL teams plans to approach the auction:
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): As the defending champions, CSK aims to address critical gaps in their squad with a purse of ₹31.4 crore. They’re eyeing a middle-order batter to replace Ambati Rayudu, with Manish Pandey being a potential fit. Also, CSK is keen on bringing back Shardul Thakur, given his stellar performances for India.
2. Gujarat Titans: Having faced the departure of skipper Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, armed with ₹38.15 crore, face a challenging task. They are targeting strong players like Shardul Thakur, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Azmatullah Omarzai to strengthen their squad.
3. Delhi Capitals: With uncertainties surrounding the return of skipper Rishabh Pant, Delhi Capitals, with ₹28.95 crore, seeks experienced players to bolster their lineup. Targets include Priyansh Arya, Harshal Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jos Inglis, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
4. Rajasthan Royals: Known for identifying young talents, Rajasthan Royals, with ₹14.50 crore, is eyeing promising batters like Sameer Rizvi, Swastik Chikkara, Ashutosh Sharma, Abhimanyu Singh, and Saurabh Chauhan. Their focus remains on scouting talent from domestic tournaments.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): RCB, entering the auction with ₹23.25 crore, faces the challenge of replacing released player Harshal Patel. They are considering Australian bowlers Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins to fill the void and potentially change the bidding dynamics.
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad: With a purse of ₹34 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad is looking to balance their team with Indian players like Shardul Thakur and Harshal Patel. They also aim to secure a proficient foreign fast bowler and a top-order batsman, preferably of Indian origin.
7. Mumbai Indians: Despite the controversial decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain, Mumbai Indians, armed with ₹17.75 crore, will focus on finding the right combinations. Players like Hasaranga, Manav Suthar, Ashutosh Sharma, and Darshan Misal are on their radar.
8. Punjab Kings: With ₹29.10 crore, Punjab Kings is keen on Shardul Thakur, Harshal Patel, and Rachin Ravindra. The franchise has two overseas player slots to fill, and Rachin Ravindra is a promising prospect in line with their strategic preferences.
9. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): KKR enters with one of the highest budgets, ₹32.70 crore, and is in dire need of quality pace bowlers. They are eyeing players like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Rachin Ravindra, and Harshal Patel. Additionally, they seek an Indian all-rounder or finisher to fill the void left by Shahbaz Ahmed.
10. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): LSG is interested in players like Starc, Hazlewood, and South African talent Gerald Coetzee to complement Mark Wood in the fast bowling department. For uncapped Indian batters, Ashutosh Sharma is under evaluation.
The IPL auction 2024 promises exciting bidding battles as teams strategically target players to strengthen their squads. Each franchise is navigating the auction with specific needs, and the final composition of teams will unfold as the bidding process unfolds on 19 December in Dubai.