IPL 2024: 5 Players who can make headlines during bidding wars

The IPL 2024 auction is scheduled for December 19 in Dubai and will feature 333 players, including 214 domestic and 119 overseas players. The Indian Cricket Board released the player list on December 11 with 77 slots available in the mini-auction which includes 30 for overseas players.

In the top slab of Rs. 2 crore, there are 23 players as well as there are 13 players in the Rs. 1.5 crore bracket. In addition to it, there are 14 players in the Rs. 1 crore bracket. The auction will commence with capped players, followed by uncapped players, and is expected to be a competitive event with a diverse pool of talent available for bidding.

In addition to it, some players will attract irrespective of the bracket they are in.  Let’s look at the players who have the potential to secure substantial contracts in the IPL Auctions 2024 mini auction;

1. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc’s much-anticipated comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) has finally arrived. Despite ongoing discussions among fans about his return, the Australian speedster refrained from participating in IPL tournaments to focus on the national team. However, Starc is now set to be part of the IPL 2024 auction, marking his return after eight seasons. Having last played in the IPL during the 2015 edition, the 33-year-old is listed with a base price of Rs. 2 crores, but his final auction price is expected to be considerably higher.

2. Travis Head

The legendary Australian batter Travis Head who is known for his adaptability across formats. He is expected to be a major attraction in the IPL 2024 auction. After an impressive performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, Head scored 329 runs. He even played a vital role in Australia’s World Cup victory. The inclusion of star Australian batter in the auction list is likely to trigger intense bidding wars. With a base price of INR 2 crore, the middle-order batter is anticipated to be a hot asset in the upcoming IPL auction.

3. Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee who is known for his energetic and focused bowling performances is set to be a key contender in the IPL 2024 auction. Coetzee’s consistent wicket-taking ability in the middle overs makes him a most wanted player likely to attract significant bids.  In the recently concluded World Cup 2023 Coetzee became the first South African bowler to claim 20 wickets in a single World Cup. With a base price of INR 2 crores, he is set to enter the IPL 2024 player auction as a most wanted player.

4. Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra has impressed one and all with his dynamic all-round ability. His recent performances in both domestic and international cricket have captured the spotlight. It is also expected that he is a leading contender who is likely to ignite a bidding war among franchises.

On the batting front, the 24-year-old Rachin Ravindra emerged as New Zealand’s top run-scorer in a recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, amassing 578 runs with three centuries and two fifties. With a base price of Rs. 50 lakhs, franchises are expected to go on a bidding war for him especially Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

5. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur’s ability in both taking wickets and delivering powerful batting performance in the lower order certainly makes him go for huge money. The all round player is poised to command a significant price in the upcoming IPL 2024 mini auction. While the impact player rule has somewhat reduced the value of pace all-rounders making Thakur a potentially valuable addition to any team. The fact that he is Indian is expected to drive up his good amount in this mini-auction, and it wouldn’t be surprising if other franchises actively pursue him during the IPL 2024 auction.