IPL 2024 Auction Analysis: Top Picks, Surprises, and Bargains

Here is the list of teams and their impacts after the 2024 IPL auctions –

1. Kolkata Knight Riders
   Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have assembled a squad of 23 players, including 8 overseas players, for the upcoming liveT20 cricket online. They made headlines by acquiring Mitchell Starc for a record-breaking INR 24.75 crore, addressing their need for fast bowlers. Additionally, they secured Mujeeb Ur Rahman and KS Bharat for spin and wicketkeeping backup, respectively. However, concerns linger over the reliance on young talent like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the lack of experience among Indian seamers. Despite boasting explosive hitters like Andre Russell, KKR’s batting depth seems uncertain, with unproven talents like Ramandeep Singh. The team’s strategy appears to revolve around optimizing their 12-player selection to effectively leverage the IPL’s Impact Sub-rule. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters, KKR aims to make a strong impression in the tournament.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad
   Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have put together a squad of 25 players, including 8 overseas talents, for the upcoming IPL season. Their standout acquisitions include Pat Cummins, secured for a staggering INR 20.5 crore, and the versatile Travis Head. Wanindu Hasaranga, acquired at his base price, promises to be a valuable asset. Despite their successes in the auction, there’s a slight oversight in not securing a backup for Abdul Samad. With a balanced mix of experienced campaigners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and promising talents like Umran Malik, SRH aims to make a mark in the tournament. The team’s strategy appears focused on reinforcing their batting and bowling departments, ensuring depth and versatility in their playing XI. With strong contenders in both domestic and international circuits, SRH aspires to clinch the IPL title.
3. Chennai Super Kings
   Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have put together a squad of 25 players, including 8 overseas cricketers, for the upcoming IPL season. Notable acquisitions include all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, enhancing the team’s versatility. Sameer Rizvi’s inclusion fills the void left by Ambati Rayudu, while Shardul Thakur and Mustafizur Rahman provide valuable bowling options. The team made headlines with high-profile signings, including Daryl Mitchell for INR 14 crore and Sameer Rizvi for INR 8.4 crore. However, CSK missed out on purchasing Gerald Coetzee and Alzarri Joseph, which could have strengthened their fast-bowling department. With experienced players like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja leading the team, CSK aims for a balanced campaign. The squad composition reflects a strategic approach, covering various positions and contingencies. With a blend of youth and experience, CSK seeks to reclaim the IPL title with a well-rounded squad.
4. Mumbai Indians
   Mumbai Indians made significant investments in the IPL auction, securing top talents at notable prices. The standout purchases include Gerald Coetzee for INR 5 crore, demonstrating their commitment to bolstering their fast-bowling arsenal. Additionally, they acquired Nuwan Thushara and Dilshan Madushanka for INR 4.8 crore and INR 4.6 crore, respectively, further strengthening their pace options. These high-value signings reflect Mumbai Indians’ strategy of prioritizing quality players to maintain their competitive edge in the tournament.
5. Rajasthan Royals
   Rajasthan Royals have crafted a compact squad of 22 players, featuring 8 overseas selections, for the forthcoming IPL season. Notable acquisitions include Rovman Powell, secured for a substantial INR 7.4 crore, and Shubham Dubey, acquired for INR 5.8 crore, enhancing the middle-order firepower. Despite splurging more than 90% of their budget on Powell and Dubey, they missed out on securing an all-rounder with the remaining INR 1.30 crore. The squad’s smaller size, compared to other teams, underscores a targeted approach. Led by stalwarts like Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals aim to extract optimal performances from their balanced roster, striving for success in the IPL.
6. Delhi Capitals
   Delhi Capitals have curated a well-rounded squad of 25 players, featuring 8 overseas selections, for the upcoming IPL season. Key signings include Kumar Kushagra, secured for a substantial INR 7.2 crore, and Jhye Richardson, acquired for INR 5 crore, bolstering their wicketkeeping and fast bowling departments, respectively. Additionally, the bargain buy of Harry Brook for INR 4 crore adds depth to their batting lineup. However, they face challenges with a fragile lower-middle order and the absence of a backup Indian opener for Prithvi Shaw. Led by experienced campaigners like David Warner and Rishabh Pant, Delhi Capitals aim to address these gaps and leverage their balanced roster to compete fiercely in the tournament.
7. Punjab Kings
   The team, with 25 players, including 8 from overseas, made notable purchases like Harshal Patel (INR 11.75 crore), Rilee Rossouw (INR 8 crore), and Chris Woakes (INR 4.2 crore). These players add value with their dual bowling and batting abilities. However, they missed acquiring Shahrukh Khan, leaving a gap in the Indian middle-order batting. There was a mix-up during the auction when they initially bought Shashank Singh, then unsuccessfully tried to retract the purchase. Despite this, the squad boasts strong batting options like Dhawan and Bairstow, supported by all-rounders like Curran and Woakes, creating a diverse and competitive team.
8. Gujarat TitansWith a squad of 25 players, including 8 from overseas, notable purchases were made, such as Spencer Johnson (INR 10 crore), Shahrukh Khan (INR 7.4 crore), and Umesh Yadav (INR 5.8 crore). These acquisitions strengthen the team’s pace options, with Yadav supporting Mohammed Shami. However, the absence of an experienced Indian wicketkeeping backup may hinder fielding Kane Williamson. Despite offering up to INR 24.50 crore for Starc, he wasn’t secured. The squad features strong openers like Gill and Saha, supported by middle-order batsmen including Williamson and Miller. With all-rounders like Tewatia and Shankar, along with spinners like Rashid Khan, the team is well-rounded but may face challenges in fielding Williamson without a solid wicketkeeping backup.
9. Lucknow Super Giants
   The team boasts a squad of 25, including 8 overseas players. Notable purchases include Shivam Mavi (INR 6.4 crore), M Siddharth (INR 2.4 crore), and David Willey (INR 2 crore). They also secured a pre-auction trade for Devdutt Padikkal. However, there’s a gap in experienced Indian middle-order batsmen, potentially leading KL Rahul to shift to No. 4 instead of opening. With strong openers like Rahul and de Kock, along with hitters like Pooran and Hooda, the team has firepower. All-rounders like Stoinis and Pandya add depth, while bowlers like Mavi and Bishnoi provide balance. Overall, the team showcases a blend of talent but may face challenges in the middle order.
10. Royal Challengers Bangalore
    The team, comprising 25 players with 8 from overseas, made significant acquisitions, including Alzarri Joseph (INR 11.5 crore), Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore), and Lockie Ferguson (INR 2 crore), with Ferguson’s purchase notable in the accelerated round. However, there’s a gap in the absence of an experienced wristspinner to replace Wanindu Hasaranga and a specialist death bowler. The squad features strong openers like du Plessis and Kohli, supported by middle-order batsmen including Patidar and Karthik. All-rounders like Maxwell and Green add depth, while bowlers like Siraj and Joseph bolster the attack. Overall, the team showcases a blend of talent but may face challenges in bowling variations.