The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for season 2024, set to take place in Dubai on December 19 (Tuesday), marks the event's inaugural occurrence outside India. With 333 players on the roster, the selection process, initially comprising 1,166 applications, has been narrowed down to approximately one-quarter of the original list.
Mini IPL auctions have often been fascinating due to the high demand for quality Indian talent in a short supply of players. As the event approaches, each team's potential strategy and key targets come into focus:
1) Chennai Super Kings: Purse - Rs 31.4 crore, Potential Players: Shardul Thakur, Manish Pandey, Josh Hazlewood and Shardul Thakur. A seasoned Indian campaigner previously with CSK, is a viable option for the team's bowling prowess and lower-order batting. CSK might bid up to Rs 10 crore or more for Shardul. They also eye veteran Indian batter Manish Pandey to replace Ambati Rayudu.
2) Delhi Capitals: Purse - Rs 28.95 crore, Potential Players: Priyansh Arya, Harshal Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jos Inglis and Wanindu Hasaranga. Delhi Capitals are aiming to reinforce their Indian batting collection. Delhi state team opener Priyansh Arya, along with promising talents like Sameer Rizvi and Swastik Chikkara, could be watched closely. Harshal Patel's skill in delivering slower balls is of interest.
3) Gujarat Titans: Purse - Rs 38.15 crore, Potential Players: Shardul Thakur, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Azmatullah Omarzai. Gujarat Titans acknowledge the irreplaceable Hardik Pandya but consider options like Shardul Thakur or Rachin Ravindra to enhance their squad.
4) Kolkata Knight Riders: Purse - Rs 32.70 crore, Potential Players: Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Rachin Ravindra and Harshal Patel. KKR seek quality pace bowlers; Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins or Josh Hazlewood could be top picks along with Harshal Patel.
5) Lucknow Super Giants: Purse - Rs 13.15 crore, Potential Players: Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka and Ashutosh Sharma. LSG look for another quality fast bowler beside Mark Wood, considering options like Starc, Hazlewood, or Gerald Coetzee. Ashutosh Sharma, an uncapped Indian batter, stands out for his SMAT performances.
6) Mumbai Indians: Purse - Rs 17.75 crore, Potential Players: Hasaranga, Manav Suthar, Ashutosh Sharma and Darshan Misal. Despite limited funds, MI scouts focus on uncapped Indian talents like Manav Suthar and overseas prospects like Wanindu Hasaranga.
7) Sunrisers Hyderabad: Purse - Rs 34 crore, Potential Players: Shardul and Harshal. SRH may opt for Shardul or Harshal due to limited Indian players. A foreign pacer and a top-order batter - preferably Indian - are their priorities.
8) Royal Challengers Bangalore: Purse - Rs 23.25 crore, Potential Players: Starc, Cummins and Manav Suthar. RCB, aiming for overseas pacers, eyes Starc, Cummins, or Englishmen like Atkinson or Topley. Mo Bobat's entry could influence their picks.
9) Punjab Kings: Purse - Rs 29.10 crore, Potential Players: Shardul, Harshal and Rachin Ravindra. Punjab need a quality Indian pacer; options include Harshal, Shardul, or Umesh Yadav. Rachin Ravindra is a potential overseas pick for them.
10) Rajasthan Royals: Purse - Rs 14.50 crore, Potential Players: Domestic Indian batters like Sameer Rizvi, Swastik Chikkara and Ashutosh Sharma. RR would target promising domestic talents from various leagues like SMAT, TNPL, and UP Premier League for potential deals.