With just one day to go for the Indian Premier League- IPL 2024 auctions, teams are gearing up for significant decisions. This year, the auction is set to take place in Dubai adding a new dimension to the excitement. As the big day approaches, franchises are honing their strategies, eyeing crucial signings that could redefine their squads for the upcoming season.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
With a purse of INR 31.4 Crore and six slots to fill (including three overseas), CSK is on the lookout for a top-quality replacement following the departure of Ben Stokes. They aim to acquire a pace-bowling allrounder adaptable to the middle order, particularly for matches away from their home ground. The loss of Ambati Rayudu prompts the search for an experienced middle-order batsman adept at handling spin. Additionally, securing an overseas pacer remains a priority to bolster their bowling attack.
Potential Targets : Josh Hazlewood, Manish Pandey, Gerald Coetzee, Daryl Mitchell, Daniel Sams, Jason Holder.
Gujarat Titans
Armed with a substantial purse of INR 38.15 Crore and eight slots to fill (including two overseas), the Titans aim to fill the void left by Hardik Pandya’s departure. The team seeks an overseas seam-bowling allrounder while also targeting an Indian wicketkeeper due to limitations in overseas player inclusion. Bolstering their pace attack with an additional overseas seamer is on the agenda.
Potential Targets : Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood Duan Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, David Willey.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG, constrained by a purse of INR 13.15 Crore and six available slots (including two overseas), focuses on acquiring backup Indian batters to fortify the middle order. The departure of key Indian seamers, Jaydev Unadkat and Avesh Khan, prompts the search for experienced replacements. They seek to balance their squad composition for a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Potential Targets: Harshal Patel, Chetan Sakariya, Kartik Tyagi, Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson, Priyam Garg, Sarfaraz Khan.
Punjab Kings
With INR 29.1 Crore and eight slots to fill (including two overseas), Punjab Kings target strengthening their Indian batting lineup with reliable backups. The absence of quality Indian batters as reserves is a concern. Additionally, they aim to fortify their spin department with a backup wrist spinner and secure an experienced Indian seamer.
Potential Targets : Shardul Thakur, Manish Pandey, Harshal Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Mavi, Chetan Sakariya, Harry Brook,
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Possessing a purse of INR 32.7 Crore and twelve available slots (including four overseas), KKR eyes bolstering their overseas opener options and enhancing their pace attack. They aim to add experienced pacers to their squad while ensuring a reliable overseas and domestic wicketkeeping option.
Potential Targets : Kusal Mendis, Rachin Ravindra, KS Bharat, Phil Salt, Josh Inglis, Gerald Coetzee, Pat Cummins, Dilshan Madushanka, Mitchell Starc, Chris Woakes, Harshal Patel, Shardul Thakur, Chetan Sakariya, Shivam Mavi, Harvik Desai.
Delhi Capitals
With INR 28.95 Crore in hand and nine slots to fill (including four overseas), Delhi Capitals are concerned about the wicketkeeping role and the lack of reliable finishers. They prioritize acquiring an additional keeper apart from Abishek Porel and targeting a reliable finisher, especially considering Rishabh Pant’s potential doubts as a keeper. They also look for backup overseas options in opening and bowling departments.
Potential Targets : Shahrukh Khan, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Harry Brook, Kusal Mendis, Alzarri Joseph, Shai Hope, Sam Billings, Shardul Thakur, Gerald Coetzee.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Despite a purse of INR 17.75 Crore and eight slots to fill (including four overseas), MI faces challenges, particularly in the spin department. Their priority is adding a high-quality spinner to their squad and securing a backup domestic opener. Also, MI aims to reinforce their fast-bowling department post the release of overseas pacers.
Potential Targets : Mitchell Starc, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pat Cummins, Alzarri Joseph, Gerald Coetzee.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
With INR 23.25 Crore and six slots to fill (including three overseas), RCB looks to address their bowling and batting departments. The team is focused on acquiring a proven overseas fast bowler and spinner, especially after the release of Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga. Also, strengthening the pace attack with an Indian pacer and securing a backup opener is on the agenda.
Potential Targets : Gerald Coetzee, Mitchell Starc, Dilshan Madushanka, Pat Cummins, Lockie Ferguson, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Adil Rashid, Akeal Hosein.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR, with a purse of INR 14.5 Crore and eight slots to fill (including three overseas), aims for a well-balanced squad with additional all-rounders and a backup opener. The team is keen on securing reliable backups for Jos Buttler at the top of the order.
Potential Targets : Rachin Ravindra, Travis Head, Rilee Rossouw, Harry Brook, Michael Bracewell, Tom Curran, Dasun Shanaka, Daniel Sams.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Boasting a purse of INR 34 Crore and six slots to fill (including three overseas), SRH seeks to elevate its pace bowling department with high-quality acquisitions. The team eyes an upgrade in the pace department and looks to strengthen its spin attack by targeting a prominent overseas spinner.
Potential Targets : Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Starc, Wanindu Hasaranga, Gerald Coetzee.
These strategies and potential targets reveal the diverse and intricate planning of each IPL franchise ahead of the 2024 auctions to build competitive squads for the upcoming season.
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