The cricket world gears up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2024, a platform where 333 players, among them 214 Indian talents, will compete for coveted positions in the league. Taking place on Tuesday, December 19, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, the IPL 2024 Auction kicks off at 1 pm IST, marking a significant event for all 10 teams to strengthen their squads ahead of the upcoming season. The auction offers a maximum of 77 slots, including 30 for overseas players, promising a thrilling and eagerly anticipated bidding war.
In preparation, reigning champions Chennai Super Kings have retained their core squad, parting ways with a few fringe players who saw limited game time last season. Despite English allrounder Ben Stokes being acquired for a hefty Rs 16.25 crore last year, his non-availability for the upcoming tournament led to his release.
Chennai Super Kings' focus now shifts to replacing Ambati Rayudu, who retired from all cricket after IPL 2023. Prospective replacements like Karun Nair (Rs 50 lakhs) or Manish Pandey (Rs 50 lakhs) are options if they match Rayudu's style of play.
There's also a need for an Indian power-hitter in the middle order, possibly through budget-friendly picks like Manan Vohra (Rs 20 lakhs) or Tanmay Mishra (Rs 20 lakhs). Chennai is also eyeing an overseas pacer who can contribute as an allrounder and an Indian fast bowler.
In addressing these gaps, the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings may set their sights on Lockie Ferguson (Rs 2 crore) or Shivam Mavi (Rs 50 lakhs).
IPL 2024 Auction - Chennai Super Kings Purse Available: Rs 31.40 crore
IPL 2024 Auction - Chennai Super Kings Slots Remaining: Six (Three Overseas)
IPL 2024 Auction - Chennai Super Kings Retained Players: MS Dhoni, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Nishant Sindhu, Ajay Mandal, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Chowdhary, Prashant Solanki, Simarjeet Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana