Sam Curran made the headlines for becoming the most expensive player in IPL history last year. Which cricketer will be the most in-demand this time around? Here are the potential top buys for the IPL 2024 auction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction is just two days away. The gala event will be held in Dubai's Coca Cola Arena which will be attended by Indian cricket's bigwigs along with the the other franchises. It is the first time that the IPL auction will be held outside the Indian shores. The Arena is located in the City Walk area in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is mostly known to host music concerts and big events. (IPL Auction Live Blog | Streaming | Cricket News)
Last year, the IPL 2023 Auction took place in Kochi. Each franchise were allowed to spend 75% of their total expenditure and the Right To Match (RTM) was scrapped. Talking about the 2024 Auction, there will be 77 slots up for grabs and 30 of them would be overseas players. The 10 teams can collectively spend Rs 262.95 crore.
The franchises have been sent a list of 1166 players, who have registered for the auction. With the likes of Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra and other names throwing their hat in the auction ring, we take a look at some of the potential big buys that could make the headlines:
1) Travis Head (Australia)
Australia cricket team's ODI Cricket World Cup hero Travis Head has kept his base price at Rs 2 crore. The all-rounder was the key player in the final when the men in Yellow defeated the Indian cricket team to lift their sixth World Cup title. Head, who has also represented the Adelaide Strikers and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past, could be a potentially big buy in the upcoming IPL 2024 auction in Dubai.
2) Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
Another player who had a sensational World Cup in India was none other than Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. He is priced at Rs 50 lakh but could be expected to go for a higher base price, given his exploits in cricket. The southpaw scored 578 runs in 10 matches at an average of 64.22. With many sides still looking to conjure up their squads, Ravindra's name could be a no-brainer given that he can bat as well as bowl in difficult situations.
3) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa):
The South African fast bowler has kept his base price at Rs 2 crore for the upcoming IPL auction. The pacer is expected to make a grand debut at the IPL next year given his World Cup exploits for the Proteas. The right-arm pacer scalped 20 wickets at an economy of 6.23 and his slower deliveries are a key asset that many franchises would have looked at. His T20I record is still raw with six wickets in four games. The likes of Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians or Chennai Super Kings could have a look at Coetzee in the upcoming IPL auction.
4) Mitchell Starc (Australia):
Aussie pace bowler Mitchell Starc is back again in the IPL after an eight year hiatus. The 33-year-old played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in two seasons, 2014 and 2015 and managed to scalp 34 wickets in 27 IPL games. Despite a decent showing at the World Cup, Starc's ability to swing the ball both ways could be a boon for many IPL franchises. With KKR releasing a host of players, they could go in for the left-arm pacer who has kept his base price at Rs 2 crore. Also, Mumbai Indians could be interested too and if they do, imagine that opening new-ball line-up of Jasprit Bumrah and Starc!
5) Harshal Patel (India)
What a week it could be for Indian pacer Harshal Patel! After taking his domestic side Haryana to a Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph, a IPL contract will be double whammy for the right-arm pacer. Patel, who has kept his base price at Rs 2 crore, could be tapped up by the likes of CSK, GT or even PBKS. His death-over speciality and slower deliveries, could be a great asset for the franchises. Since the IPL 2020, Patel has plucked 37 wickets in the death overs - joint-highest with Mohammed Shami. With his knowledge about the Indian pitches a great boon, franchises could go in for Patel.