As the cricketing world gears up for the IPL 2024 auction, seasoned Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction, foreseeing a bidding war between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the explosive Tamil Nadu batter, Shahrukh Khan. Released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the auction, Shahrukh Khan’s power-hitting prowess has caught the attention of these two franchises, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster bidding battle.
Shahrukh Khan’s journey in the IPL took an interesting turn when PBKS acquired him for INR ₹9 crore in the IPL 2022 auction. While he showcased his power-hitting abilities with impactful cameos, PBKS decided to release him ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. In the 2023 season, Shahrukh Khan played all 14 games, amassing 156 runs at a striking rate of 165.96. The release, despite his impressive performances, has set the stage for a high-stakes bidding showdown.
Ravichandran Ashwin, sharing his insights on a video posted on his YouTube channel, predicted that Shahrukh Khan could command a bidding war with a base price of at least ₹12 to ₹13 crore. Ashwin highlighted the demand for a power player, especially after Gujarat Titans lost the services of middle-order batter and finisher Hardik Pandya. He remarked, “I can definitely see a war between CSK and GT for Shahrukh Khan because Gujarat have just lost middle batter/finisher Hardik and they need a power player.”
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Ashwin went on to suggest that CSK might prioritize Shahrukh Khan over other potential acquisitions, even missing out on Mitchell Starc. The strategic decision could be influenced by CSK’s need for a local player or presence in the team. Notably, CSK had shown interest in acquiring Shahrukh Khan during the mega auction, raising the bid to 8.75 crores before losing out to PBKS at 9 crores.
As the IPL 2024 auction approaches, the anticipation surrounding Shahrukh Khan’s bidding war adds an extra layer of excitement. CSK and GT, identified by Ashwin as potential contenders, will likely engage in a fierce battle to secure the services of the power-hitting sensation. The auction, scheduled for December 19 in Dubai, promises intense moments as franchises vie for the players who could shape their fortunes in the upcoming IPL season. Shahrukh Khan’s journey from release to potentially becoming the focal point of a bidding war underscores the unpredictable and thrilling nature of IPL auctions.
