The IPL 2024 auction might be a mini auction as this year is the last of the three-year contracts that players have signed with their respective franchises. But with the performances of some of the players in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, there might be a bidding war during the event. Notably, for the first time, the BCCI will be holding the IPL auction outside India.
The auction for IPL 2024 will be held in Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on December 19, 2023. The names of the IPL retained players and released Players for the 2024 edition will be made public by each of the individual franchises by the end of November. Two of the most successful franchises in IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have a few spots to fill. As a result, it will be interesting to see their strategy when they enter into the auction. This can very well mean that the franchises will trigger a bidding war in case there is a player who both franchises require in their squads and it will be a sight to see on December 19.
Here are 3 players for whom both CSK and MI might get into a bidding war in IPL 2024 auction:
3. Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)
Dunith-Wellalage. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)
Dunith Wellalage first impressed everyone with spin bowling talent in the Asia Cup 2023, which preceded the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. He picked 5 wickets against India in that crucial match that included the valuable scalps of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to boast of. Notably,
Wellalage, who captained Sri Lanka at the U19 World Cup in the West Indies in 2022, is seen as the island’s next great name.
The youngster is developing into a valuable asset for Sri Lanka as a strong middle-order hitter who bowls deft left-arm spin. His bowling motion aids him in producing the natural drift that comes in for the batsman before spinning away from them.
He also has an arm ball and can utilize sliders as necessary.
hence, his willy variations can bamboozle even the best batters in the world of cricket. Dunith Wellalage is one of those brilliant white-ball operators that every team covets. Add to that his useful batting ability and electrifying presence on the field. Therefore, it is safe to say that the young Lankan Lion is one of those complete products that teams desire in modern fast-paced cricket.
2. Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
Daryl Mitchell. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Daryl Mitchell managed to do what not many batters have done in this IPL 2024 auction. He scored a century against the rampaging Indian team in Dharamsala. And with this, he has also put himself in the focus of IPL franchises in the upcoming IPL 2024 auction.
Mitchell has played in IPL for Rajasthan Royals, but poor handling by the franchise meant that he couldn’t be as effective as he has shown himself to be. But he has matured since then and his batting shows his class and composure in equal proportion. He has not made New Zealand miss Colin de Grandhomme after his retirement, with his all-round abilities.
His overall T20 numbers also make for superb reading as he averages 30.79 at a strike rate of 135.14 with 18 half-centuries in 169 outings with the bat. CSK in particular will eye Mitchell as a worthy replacement for Ben Stokes. Notably, the former England skipper was an expensive buy for them and didn’t do much in the IPL 2023, owing to his injury and fitness issues post-surgery.
1. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
Rachin-Ravindra. (Photo by ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)
Rachin Ravindra has shocked cricket fans all over the world with his batting ability in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Currently, the dashing southpaw is the highest run-getter for New Zealand with 565 runs with three centuries to his name. His bowling is just an extension of his talent, but he has shown he can be effective with the ball too.
Rachin Ravindra has already set himself up for a lucrative contract for the next IPL 2024 auction. With his services as a spin-bowling all-rounder and his youthful age of 23, both CSK and MI will be vying for the New Zealand all-rounder in the IPL 2024 auction. He is someone that can also be groomed for a leadership position in the near future.
Also see: 3 players CSK might release ahead of IPL 2024