The highly anticipated IPL 2024 auction is just around the corner, set to take place on December 19 in Dubai. Cricket enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement as many prominent players, both Indian and overseas, have thrown their hats into the ring, ready to go under the hammer. This mini-auction is the last before the mega auction scheduled for the following year, and it has garnered attention with a whopping 1166 players registering, vying for the available 77 slots, including 30 for overseas players. The cumulative spending cap for the 10 participating teams stands at Rs 262.95 crore.
While the focus naturally gravitates toward capped players, the uncapped talent pool is not to be overlooked. Two cricketing giants, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), are expected to shift their gaze towards uncapped Indian players, aiming to bolster their squads and make strategic acquisitions for the upcoming season.
Here are three uncapped players who might find themselves in the midst of a bidding war between MI and RCB in the IPL 2024 auction:
- Hrithik Shokeen: Hrithik Shokeen, having showcased his potential with two impressive seasons with the Mumbai Indians, has become a sought-after prospect. Playing 13 matches and securing 5 wickets at an economy just over 9, Shokeen demonstrated his spin prowess. Despite his promising performance, MI opted to release him, a move aimed at freeing up funds for securing the services of Hardik Pandya from the Gujarat Titans.RCB, having released Wanindu Hasaranga, is on the lookout for a quality Indian spinner. Shokeen, at 23, emerges as a prime candidate to fill this role. With only Yuzvendra Chahal as a notable spinner in their ranks, RCB could benefit significantly from Shokeen’s talents. A potential bidding war between MI and RCB for this young spinner seems inevitable.
- Kartik Tyagi: Considered one of the fastest and most promising young bowlers in India, Kartik Tyagi is poised to make waves in the IPL 2024 auction. Overcoming injury concerns, Tyagi has been setting the domestic cricket scene ablaze. With 15 wickets in 19 IPL matches for Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Tyagi’s ability to bowl over 150 kph adds an exciting dimension to his skill set.Both MI and RCB find themselves in need of formidable Indian bowlers. MI, despite having the services of Jasprit Bumrah, released a significant number of pacers ahead of the auction. On the other hand, RCB’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj, could benefit greatly from Tyagi’s raw pace. Expect a fierce bidding war between these two franchises when Kartik Tyagi’s name is called.
- Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz Khan emerges as a tantalizing prospect with his prolific run-scoring form in Indian domestic cricket. Amassing a staggering 3589 runs in 40 FC matches with 13 centuries at an average of 71.78, Sarfaraz has been a dominant force. In T20s, he boasts 1188 runs in 96 matches with a strike rate of 128.29.However, Sarfaraz has struggled to replicate this success in the IPL, with his record being underwhelming, save for a notable season with RCB in 2019. Despite his inconsistencies, both RCB and MI might see the potential for growth in Sarfaraz Khan. With nothing to lose, these franchises could engage in a bidding war for the explosive batter, hoping to unlock his full potential in the upcoming season.
As the IPL 2024 auction approaches, the stage is set for intense battles between franchises, with uncapped talents like Hrithik Shokeen, Kartik Tyagi, and Sarfaraz Khan poised to become the focal points of bidding wars, particularly between the formidable Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Cricket fans worldwide await with bated breath to see which rising stars will shine in the upcoming season.
Also Read:- WPL 2024 Auction Details, Schedule and Fixtures, Live Score, Retained And Released Player List