As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the IPL 2024 auction, the retained player list has sparked conversations and debates among fans and experts alike. While many players were released to make room for fresh faces, there are a few retained players who might consider themselves fortunate to still be donning the same jersey. Let’s delve into three such retained players who are fortunate to have secured a spot in their teams for the upcoming season.
Here are three players who are lucky to have been retained:
1. Dinesh Karthik
One of the surprising retentions ahead of IPL 2024 is the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik by Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB took a bold step by releasing key players like Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Josh Hazlewood but chose to stick with the 38-year-old Karthik costing them ₹5.5 crore. The decision may be considered risky, given Karthik’s underwhelming performance in the 2023 season where he managed to score just 140 runs at an average of 11.67 and a strike rate of 134.62. With the emergence of young talents, the retention of an aging player like Karthik raises eyebrows and could potentially backfire for RCB.
2. Mayank Agarwal
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s decision to retain Mayank Agarwal is another eyebrow-raising move. Despite Agarwal’s underwhelming performance in IPL 2023, where he scored just 270 runs at an average of 27 with a solitary fifty, SRH chose to stick with him and retained him for ₹8.25 crore. With the team releasing several players, including key overseas players, spending a significant amount on Agarwal might be considered a gamble. The opener will need to deliver exceptional performances in the upcoming season to justify SRH’s decision and silence the critics.
3. Krunal Pandya
Lucknow Super Giants’ retention of Krunal Pandya comes with its fair share of risks. The elder Pandya brother has been subpar in the last couple of IPL seasons, contributing with neither the bat nor the ball to the extent expected of him. With just 19 wickets in 29 matches and scoring 371 runs at an average of under 20, the numbers don’t necessarily justify the hefty ₹8.25 crore price tag. LSG’s decision to retain Krunal Pandya suggests a belief in his potential, but whether he can deliver on the big stage remains to be seen. The franchise might face scrutiny if Krunal fails to live up to expectations in the upcoming season.
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While IPL franchises often make bold decisions during the retention process, the fate of these retained players will only be revealed on the field. The pressure will be on Dinesh Karthik, Mayank Agarwal, and Krunal Pandya to prove their worth and justify their retention in the upcoming IPL season, as fans eagerly await to see if these decisions turn out to be masterstrokes or miscalculations.