The excitement for the IPL 2024 auction is reaching a crescendo, with 1166 players gearing up for the event in Dubai on December 19. This marks the last mini-auction before the mega auction next year, and the stakes are high, with 77 slots available, including 30 for overseas players. Among the plethora of talent, certain in-form Indian players have showcased their skills in recent domestic tournaments, making them compelling prospects for IPL franchises.
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Here are four in-form Indian players who deserve a spot in the IPL 2024 auction:
1. Lukman Meriwala
Left-arm pacer Lukman Meriwala, known for his stint with Delhi Capitals, has exhibited exceptional performances for Baroda. With impressive T20 figures of 97 wickets in 64 matches, Meriwala is a proven wicket-taker. His recent displays in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he picked 14 wickets in 10 games, and the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he boasts 5 wickets in 5 games, highlight his consistency. Meriwala’s ability to keep runs in check in the middle overs and deliver under pressure at the death makes him an asset for potential IPL suitors.
2. Nikhil Naik
Nikhil Naik, the Maharashtra wicketkeeper-batsman, has been in stellar form during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Amassing 257 runs in 7 matches at an average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 124.75, Naik’s explosive batting has caught the eye. With a decent T20 record, having scored 970 runs in 61 matches, Naik’s prowess behind the stumps adds to his value. Having had previous IPL stints with KKR and PBKS, he is a player franchises should consider, especially with the demand for reliable wicketkeeper-batsmen.
3. Arzan Nagwaswalla
Another left-arm pacer on the radar is Arzan Nagwaswalla, who has been a standout performer for Gujarat. With 48 wickets in 33 T20s and a stellar List-A record, Nagwaswalla has proven his mettle. Despite being part of India A squads and the senior team, he is yet to make his IPL debut. The IPL 2024 could be his breakthrough, especially after a strong performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, where he claimed 13 wickets in 8 games, and a consistent showing in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
4. Harvik Desai
Saurashtra’s young keeper-batsman, Harvik Desai, has been making headlines with his impressive performances. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, he scored a remarkable 336 runs in 7 matches, including a blistering 104* and a strike rate of 175. The 24-year-old continued his form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, accumulating 257 runs in 7 matches, featuring a century and an average of 42.83. Desai’s ability to open the innings and keep wickets makes him a valuable asset, and IPL franchises looking for a versatile batsman should keep an eye on this promising talent.
