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| The most loved sport Cricket is all set to make its comeback with yet another edition to the Indians Premiere League. The IPL Schedule 2024 is expected to start in March 2024 |
As the cricket world eagerly anticipates the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, the annual mini-auction is set to shake up team rosters and fill vacant spots before the tournament kicks off. Scheduled for December 19 in Dubai, the auction will see franchises releasing and retaining players based on their needs and the previous season's performance.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled the list of 333 shortlisted players, including 214 Indians and 119 overseas players. Among them, 116 are capped, having international cricket experience, while 215 are uncapped. With a maximum of 77 slots available across all teams, each franchise will enter the auction with a total budget of Rs 100 crore.
Despite most teams retaining the majority of their squads, the Gujarat Titans (GT) hold the highest remaining budget of Rs 38.15 crore with eight spots to fill, while the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG), with six spots left, have the lowest remaining budget of Rs 13.15 crore. Excitement is mounting as the stage is set for intense bidding and strategic squad reshuffles at the highly anticipated auction.
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Mini-auctions are famed for sparking substantial bidding wars. In the previous year, England's Sam Curran secured a record bid of Rs 18.50 crore, marking the highest-ever bid in IPL history. This year's auction features numerous global stars, setting the stage for speculation on the potential Five players who could command the highest price tags in this edition.
1.Travis Head (Australia): Base Price: Rs 2 Crore
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Fresh off contributing to Australia's victory in the ICC ODI Men’s World Cup in India, Travis Head is expected to be a sought-after player at the IPL 2024 auction. The left-handed aggressive batsman possesses all the qualities that IPL franchises seek in a player. He can launch an attack from the first ball and boasts a diverse range of shots in his arsenal. Head demonstrated impressive intent in the World Cup, making it challenging for bowlers to contain him. The batsman-friendly pitches in India will only enhance his performance. Additionally, he can also contribute with a bit of off-break bowling, which could prove valuable in spinner-friendly conditions.
2. Gerald Coetzee (South Africa): Base Price: Rs 2 Crore
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All-rounders used to be highly sought after in the IPL. However, with the introduction of the Impact Player last year, allowing teams to include an extra player beyond the playing XI, the demand has shifted towards fast bowlers. Gerald Coetzee is the type of bowler that every IPL franchise would highly value. He possesses impressive pace, consistently bowling in the high 140kmph range, and delivers with a forceful impact, making him a formidable wicket-taker both at the beginning and end of an innings. Coetzee emerged as South Africa’s top wicket-taker in the World Cup, showcasing his formidable bowling skills. At 23 years old, he demonstrates T20 intelligence as well, excelling in delivering yorkers and varying his pace as needed.
Mitchell Starc (Australia) Base Price: Rs 2 Crore
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Australia's premier fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, is set to make a return to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus. His last appearance was in 2015, representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Widely regarded as one of the best across all formats, the left-arm pacer possesses the ability to swing the new ball both ways and maintains a commendable pace. Despite being listed at serial 28 in the auction, a position that delays his turn at the table, IPL franchises are keen to secure his services, valuing his experience. Starc's inclusion promises to fortify the bowling attack and inject much-needed aggression on the typically flat Indian pitches.
Shardul Thakur (India) Base Price: Rs 2 Crore
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Indian players are perennially in demand at the IPL auction, enjoying a near-guaranteed spot in the playing XI. All-rounder Shardul Thakur, a rare Indian player available in the upcoming auction, brings a wealth of experience, having played for five different franchises. Despite recent bowling form concerns, Thakur's multifaceted skills could attract substantial bids. Beyond his pace bowling, Thakur has the potential to be a potent force with the bat on any given day.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) Base Price: Rs 50 Lakh
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New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, hailing from Indian roots, emerged as a standout young talent in the recently-concluded World Cup. His impressive performance saw him secure the position of the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, amassing a notable 578 runs across 10 matches. Aged 24, Ravindra also possesses the valuable skill of proficient left-arm spin bowling, further bolstering his appeal and potential for securing a lucrative deal at the auction. Combining style with formidable batting prowess, he embodies a compelling package for IPL franchises. With a historical tendency for franchises to favor recent form, Ravindra's exceptional showing in the World Cup positions him as a strong contender for securing one of the most expensive deals at the upcoming auction.
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