The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular and lucrative cricket tournaments in the world. Every year, the eight franchises compete for the coveted trophy and the glory of being the best team in the country. However, before the action begins on the field, there is a lot of drama and excitement in the auction room, where the teams bid for the players they want to add to their squads.
The IPL 2024 auction is expected to be a mega event, as it will be the first one after the introduction of two new teams: Ahmedabad and Lucknow. This means that there will be more slots to fill, more money to spend, and more competition to face. The auction will also feature some of the biggest names in world cricket, who will be up for grabs for the highest bidder.
The IPL 2024 auction will be a crucial opportunity for the teams to strengthen their weak areas, balance their combinations, and prepare for the challenges ahead. The teams will have to be smart and strategic in their player selection, as they will have to consider factors such as form, fitness, availability, and compatibility. The teams will also have to keep an eye on the future, as they will have to retain some of their core players for the next three years.
Former India Cricketer Picks Top 5 Buys at IPL 2024 Auction
One of the most respected voices in the cricketing fraternity, former India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra, has shared his predictions for the top 5 buys at the IPL 2024 auction. According to Chopra, these are the players who will attract the most attention and the highest bids from the franchises:
- Virat Kohli: The captain of the Indian team and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kohli is arguably the best batsman in the world across formats. He has been the leading run-scorer in the IPL history, with 6076 runs in 207 matches at an average of 37.97 and a strike rate of 130.50. He has also scored five centuries and 40 fifties in the tournament. Kohli has been loyal to RCB since the inception of the IPL, but he might be tempted to explore other options if the team fails to win the title in 2023. Kohli will be the most sought-after player in the auction, and he might break the record for the most expensive buy ever.
- Ben Stokes: The England all-rounder, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), is one of the most impactful players in the world. He can change the course of the game with his batting, bowling, and fielding. He has scored 920 runs in 42 IPL matches at an average of 26.28 and a strike rate of 134.80. He has also taken 28 wickets at an economy rate of 8.76. He has won the MVP award in 2017, when he scored 316 runs and took 12 wickets in 12 matches. Stokes will be a hot property in the auction, as he can fit into any team and any role.
- Rashid Khan: The Afghanistan spinner, who plays for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), is one of the most economical and effective bowlers in the IPL. He has taken 85 wickets in 69 matches at an average of 20.07 and an economy rate of 6.24. He has also scored 139 runs at a strike rate of 162.79. He has been a consistent performer for SRH, and he has also captained the team in the absence of David Warner. Rashid Khan will be a valuable addition to any team, as he can bowl in any situation and any phase of the game.
- AB de Villiers: The South African legend, who plays for RCB, is one of the most destructive and versatile batsmen in the IPL. He has scored 5056 runs in 176 matches at an average of 40.77 and a strike rate of 152.38. He has also hit 39 fifties and four centuries in the tournament. He has been a loyal partner of Kohli at RCB, and he has played some of the most memorable innings in the IPL history. AB de Villiers will be a prized catch for any team, as he can bat at any position and any tempo.
- Jasprit Bumrah: The India pacer, who plays for the Mumbai Indians (MI), is one of the most lethal and accurate bowlers in the IPL. He has taken 115 wickets in 99 matches at an average of 23.71 and an economy rate of 7.41. He has also bowled 10 maiden overs in the tournament. He has been a key member of the MI team, which has won five IPL titles. He has also been the leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2023, with 27 wickets in 14 matches. Bumrah will be a dream pick for any team, as he can bowl at any stage and any condition.
Top 5 All-Rounders to Watch Out For
The IPL is a tournament that demands players who can contribute in more than one department. The all-rounders are the most valuable assets for any team, as they can provide balance, depth, and flexibility. The IPL 2024 auction will feature some of the best all-rounders in the world, who will be on the radar of the franchises. Here are the top 5 all-rounders to watch out for:
- Shakib Al Hasan: The Bangladesh all-rounder, who plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is one of the most experienced and skilled players in the IPL. He has scored 746 runs in 68 matches at an average of 21.31 and a strike rate of 126.65. He has also taken 61 wickets at an economy rate of 7.46. He has been a vital part of the KKR team, which has won two IPL titles. He has also been the captain of the Bangladesh team, and he has recently returned from a one-year ban for breaching the anti-corruption code. Shakib Al Hasan will be a great option for any team, as he can bat in the top order and bowl in the powerplay and the death overs.
- Hardik Pandya: The India all-rounder, who plays for MI, is one of the most explosive and dynamic players in the IPL. He has scored 1401 runs in 87 matches at an average of 28.59 and a strike rate of 156.93. He has also taken 42 wickets at an economy rate of 9.06. He has been a match-winner for MI, and he has also been the MVP in 2019, when he scored 402 runs and took 14 wickets in 16 matches. Hardik Pandya will be a perfect fit for any team, as he can bat in the middle order and bowl in the death overs.
- Andre Russell: The West Indies all-rounder, who plays for KKR, is one of the most fearsome and formidable players in the IPL. He has scored 1637 runs in 79 matches at an average of 29.94 and a strike rate of 182.33. He has also taken 69 wickets at an economy rate of 9.07. He has been a game-changer for KKR, and he has also been the MVP in 2015 and 2019, when he scored 326 runs and took 14 wickets in 13 matches, and 510 runs and took 11 wickets in 14 matches, respectively. Andre Russell will be a nightmare for any team, as he can bat in the lower order and bowl in the powerplay and the death overs.
- Glenn Maxwell: The Australia all-rounder, who plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), is one of the most innovative and unpredictable players in the IPL. He has scored 1600 runs in 90 matches at an average of 19.51 and a strike rate of 154.94. He has also taken 19 wickets at an economy rate of 8.29. He has been a hit-and-miss for RCB, and he has also been the most expensive buy in the IPL 2023 auction, when he was bought for 14.25 crore. Glenn Maxwell will be a gamble for any team, as he can bat in the top order and bowl in the middle overs.
- Moeen Ali: The England all-rounder, who plays for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is one of the most elegant and efficient players in the IPL. He has scored 632 runs in 32 matches at an average of 24.30 and a strike rate of 157.25. He has also taken 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13. He has been a crucial cog for CSK, and he has also been the most consistent performer for the team in the IPL 2023, when he scored 378 runs and took 5 wickets in 12 matches. Moeen Ali will be a smart choice for any team, as he can bat in the top order and bowl in the powerplay and the middle overs.
PBKS and CSK’s Most Expensive Auction Picks: Two of the most decorated teams in IPL history, Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings, are known for their aggressive bidding in auctions. Let’s take a look at their highest-ever bids:
- Punjab Kings: Chris Gayle in 2011 for a staggering ₹11.5 crore remains PBKS’s most expensive buy. His destructive batting lived up to the price tag, making him a fan favorite.
- Chennai Super Kings: Ravindra Jadeja in 2022 for ₹16 crore tops CSK’s list. The all-rounder’s spin bowling and impactful batting justify the hefty price tag, making him a crucial cog in their machine.
Date and Time, Full Players List, and Updated Information on IPL 2024 Auction
Mark your calendars for [Date and Time] when the IPL 2024 auction unfolds in Dubai. The complete list of players released for auction is available online, offering fans a chance to analyze and predict potential buys. For real-time updates and expert analysis, follow official IPL channels and social media.
Conclusion
The IPL 2024 auction promises to be a thrilling affair, packed with bidding wars, unexpected picks, and the emergence of future stars. With strategic planning and a keen eye for talent, franchises can build rosters capable of lifting the coveted trophy. So, buckle up, cricket fans, because the countdown to the biggest cricketing auction of the year has begun!
