With the IPL 2024 auction around the corner, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the potential players set to secure lucrative contracts. Recent news reports indicate that over 1100 players have registered for this upcoming business event.
Following standout performances in the recently concluded 2023 World Cup, certain bowlers are expected to ignite bidding wars among franchises, aiming to secure substantial contracts in the massive auction scheduled for December 19, 2023, in Dubai.
Here are five bowlers who could attract significant bids in the upcoming 2024 IPL auction:
#1 Pat Cummins
After sitting out of the 2023 IPL, Australia’s ODI and Test captain, Pat Cummins, is anticipated to feature in the upcoming auction. The Australian pacer played a crucial role in leading his team to a thrilling victory in the 2023 World Cup.
In the prestigious ODI tournament, Cummins secured 15 wickets in 11 matches with an economy rate of 5.75. During the 2020 IPL auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent INR 14 crores to secure his services for the following two seasons.
Considering his current form, Cummins is likely to command a significant bid once again this time. In the IPL, the fast bowler has taken 45 wickets in 42 matches with an economy of 8.54.
His notable achievement includes a 14-ball fifty in 2022 against Mumbai Indians, initially sharing the joint-fastest half-century record with KL Rahul. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal broke the record with a 13-delivery fifty against KKR in 2023.
#2 Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2023, securing two wickets in two matches with an economy of 8.00. Despite his satisfactory bowling performance in the initial two games, SRH kept him on the bench for the entire tournament, leading to his non-retention for the IPL 2024 season.
The release of Adil Rashid from Sunrisers Hyderabad could be advantageous for him, with potential interest from franchises willing to invest. His impressive performance in the 2023 World Cup, where he took 15 wickets for England, makes him an attractive option.
Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI), lacking frontline spinners, might target him in the upcoming season.
#3 Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, the Australian paceman, plans to make a return to the IPL after nine years and is expected to register for the upcoming auction. Having played in 2014 and 2015, he secured 34 wickets in 27 matches.
His standout 2015 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore saw him finish as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets in 13 games. Starc’s impressive recent form in the 2023 World Cup, where he took 16 wickets in 10 matches, adds to his appeal for potential IPL franchises.
Franchises may compete in the auction for Mitchell Starc, and Gujarat Titans, with over INR 38 crores, could target the Australian veteran to bolster their pace attack.
#4 Wanindu Hasaranga
RCB surprised many by releasing their primary spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, ahead of the auction. Hasaranga had been RCB’s leading wicket-taker in 2022, securing 26 wickets in 16 matches with an economy of 7.54. While his performance in 2023 didn’t meet expectations, the decision to release him caught RCB fans off guard.
RCB’s decision to release Wanindu Hasaranga might be welcomed by other franchises. His proficiency on turning tracks in India makes him a valuable signing, and some teams could bid significantly for his services.
With an impressive T20 International record of 91 wickets in 58 matches at a low economy of 6.89, Hasaranga is not only a potent bowler but also a capable lower-order batsman.
#5 Josh Hazlewood
Despite an impressive performance in the 2023 World Cup, Josh Hazlewood was omitted from RCB’s retention list. The tall pacer excelled for Australia, claiming 16 wickets in 11 matches with an economy of 4.81, contributing significantly to their title victory.
Having been a crucial player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before joining RCB, there’s speculation that CSK might re-sign him for the 2024 season in their bid to defend the title. Hazlewood has accumulated 35 wickets in 27 matches at an economy of 8.06 in the IPL.
Josh Hazlewood’s omission from RCB’s retention list could make him a target for both Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. After an impressive performance in the 2023 World Cup, Hazlewood’s prowess as a quality speedster might lead to a significant bidding war in the upcoming IPL auction.
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