After less than 10 days since the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where Team India faced heartbreak, attention now turns towards the IPL 2024 season. The deadline for player retention and releases took place on Sunday (26 November), and in less than a month, the IPL 2024 player auction is set to happen in Dubai on 19 December. This marks the first time the auction will take place outside India.
Among the players who made a mark in the ODI World Cup and are anticipated to attract substantial bids in the IPL 2024 auction are:
Rachin Ravindra:
- The New Zealand batter showcased outstanding performance throughout the World Cup, amassing 578 runs from 10 matches, including three centuries and two fifties.
- His impeccable shot selections and fearless approach make him a strong contender for a significant bid in the IPL 2024 auction. Additionally, he brings the ability to bowl left-arm spin.
Travis Head:
- Australia’s swashbuckling opener made a strong comeback after a hand injury, delivering an iconic knock of 137 in the World Cup final against India.
- Head’s impressive batting and resilience in pressure situations could make him a sought-after player in the IPL 2024 auction.
Gerald Coetzee:
- The 23-year-old South African right-arm pacer finished the ODI World Cup with 20 wickets from four matches, showcasing promise on the big stage.
- Coetzee’s ability to bowl at high speeds and be effective in death bowling situations could attract attention from teams in need of pacers.
Azmatullah Omarzai:
- The Afghanistan all-rounder impressed with his batting in the World Cup, scoring 353 runs, including crucial fifties against India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
- Omarzai’s proactive knocks under pressure situations make him a valuable option, and franchises might be willing to spend big on the 23-year-old in the IPL auction.
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Dilshan Madushanka:
- Despite Sri Lanka’s forgettable World Cup campaign, Madushanka emerged as one of their brightest prospects with the ball, taking 21 wickets.
- The left-arm pacer, effective with the new ball and capable of swinging it early in the game, could be a valuable asset for IPL franchises.
Mitchell Starc:
- The Australian pacer, absent from the IPL since 2015, has confirmed his return to the IPL player auction for the 2024 season.
- Starc’s experience and potential to assist young pacers could make him a strategic pick for franchises looking to strengthen their pace bowling lineup.
Wanindu Hasaranga:
- The Sri Lankan wrist spinner was a surprising release ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, despite his impressive performances in previous seasons.
- Hasaranga, known for his match-winning abilities with the ball and quick runs with the bat, remains a valuable option for teams seeking a reliable wrist spinner.
As the IPL 2024 auction approaches, these players, having left an impact on the international stage, are expected to be on the radar of franchises aiming to build formidable squads for the upcoming season.