The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the 2024 season commenced at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on December 19 (Tuesday), witnessing an eventful day marked by substantial team investments. Rajasthan Royals, champions in the inaugural 2008 season, opted to retain much of their squad for IPL 2024. Led by Sanju Samson, the team headed into the auction with Rs 14.5 crore in their purse and eight slots to fill.
The IPL 2024 Auction opened with West Indies batter and T20I skipper Rovman Powell, initially listed in Set 1 with a base price of INR 1 Crore. After a bidding war with Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals secured Powell for INR 7.40 Crore, making him their first acquisition.
Furthermore, Royals acquired Vidarbha batter Shubham Dubey for Rs 5.8 crore, despite his base price being a mere Rs 20 lakhs. A bidding duel with Delhi Capitals ensued, with DC reaching the Rs 1 crore mark first. Eventually, the Royals clinched Dubey for Rs 5.8 crore, recognizing his impact in domestic cricket.
Playing lower down in the middle order, Dubey, a left-hand batter, showcased impressive form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 221 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 187.28. His standout performance was instrumental in Vidarbha's record chase of 213 against Bengal. Dubey, who underwent trials with multiple franchises, including Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, unfortunately sustained an injury during the last IPL auction period.
The Royals also secured Tom Kohler-Cadmore for Rs 40 lakh, an English cricketer representing Somerset. A right-handed batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler, Kohler-Cadmore joins the squad.
Here's the updated list of players acquired by Rajasthan Royals at the IPL 2024 Auction:
Rajasthan Royals complete squad for IPL 2024: Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger.
Rajasthan Royals squad strength for IPL 2024: 22
Rajasthan Royals overseas players for IPL 2024: 8
Rajasthan Royals players bought at IPL 2024 Auction: Rovman Powell (Rs. 7.4 crore), Shubham Dubey (Rs. 5.80 crore), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Rs. 40 lakh), Abid Mushtaq (Rs. 20 lakh), Nandre Burger (Rs. 50 lakh).
Rajasthan Royals Remaining purse at IPL 2024 Auction: Rs. 0.2 crore
Rajasthan Royals Total player slots available: 3
Rajasthan Royals Total overseas player slots available: 0
Players retained by Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2024 Auction: Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan (from LSG).
Players released by Rajasthan Royals before IPL Auction 2024: Abdul P A, Akash Vashisht, Jason Holder, Joe Root, K.C Cariappa, K.M. Asif, Kuldip Yadav, Murugan Ashwin, Obed Mccoy.