The recently concluded IPL 2024 auction in Dubai left everyone in shock for the upcoming season.
With a total of 72 players securing fresh contracts and a whopping Rs 230.45 crore spent collectively by the 10 participating teams.
The stakes were undeniably high in this IPL 2024 mini-auction. One burning question arises in the minds of fans: which team has managed to assemble the strongest playing XI for the IPL 2024 season?
Check the complete IPL 2024 auction analysis and know which team has assembled the best squad for this season.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
Faced with the monumental task of finding a suitable replacement for the dynamic Ben Stokes, Chennai Super Kings took a strategic approach in the auction.
The purchase of New Zealand all-rounders Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra showcased CSK’s adaptability and foresight.
Mitchell, known for his explosive batting, particularly against strong opponents like India in the World Cup, provides the much-needed power-hitting prowess in the middle order.
On the bowling front, CSK retained the services of the crafty Mustafizur Rahman, adding a layer of finesse with his effective cutters.
The shocking selection of 20-year-old uncapped Indian Sameer Rizvi revealed CSK’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Rizvi’s impressive performances in the UP T20 league earlier in the year, where he amassed 455 runs in nine innings with two centuries, demonstrated his potential to make a significant impact in the IPL.
Mumbai Indians (MI):
Defending champions Mumbai Indians entered the IPL 2024 team already possessed a formidable pace-bowling arsenal with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff.
The addition of Sri Lanka’s left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka, a standout performer in the World Cup, and South Africa’s promising all-rounder Gerald Coetzee bolstered their options.
The surprise inclusion of Nuwan Thushara, often likened to the legendary Lasith Malinga, adds variety to their fast-bowling lineup.
Gujarat Titans (GT):
In a strategic move, the team secured Azmatullah Omarzai for base price, recognising his standout performances for Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup.
Despite an initial aggressive pursuit of Mitchell Starc, they eventually opted for the uncapped Australian left-arm seamer Spencer Johnson.
Gujarat Titans also addressed the need for backup options for Mohammed Shami by bringing in the experienced Umesh Yadav and the young Kartik Tyagi.
The acquisition of Shahrukh Khan, known for his power-hitting, not only adds depth to their middle-order but also provides a spin-bowling dimension.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
The addition of Australia’s ODI World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins, secured with a substantial bid of Rs 20.5 crore, adds leadership and firepower to their lineup.
Travis Head’s inclusion aims to address their struggles in the initial phases of matches, while the exceptional Wanindu Hasaranga stands out as an economical yet impactful deal.
Assessing their performance, SRH now faces a pleasant predicament concerning their four overseas slots.
The existing leadership group comprising Aiden Markram, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Mayank Agarwal, alongside Cummins, provides a robust core.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
KKR made headlines with their staggering Rs 24.75 crore bid for Mitchell Starc, making him the most expensive player of the auction.
The team showcased astuteness in securing valuable backup players during the auction, addressing key areas of concern.
The addition of Mujeeb Ur Rahman for Sunil Narine, KS Bharat for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Sherfane Rutherford for Andre Russell demonstrated strategic planning.
A late addition to their squad, Gus Atkinson, an English right-arm pace bowler, aims to provide additional depth to their bowling lineup.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):
RCB faced challenges in the pursuit of both Cummins and Starc, leaving their bowling unit vulnerable.
The absence of a like-for-like replacement for Harshal Patel and Hasaranga raises questions about the team’s balance. The trade involving all-rounder Cameron Green left them exposed in their pursuit of key players.
Despite securing Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson, Tom Curran, and Yash Dayal, none emerged as an ideal replacement for the death-over specialist Harshal Patel.
The team also fell short in finding a substitute for Hasaranga, leaving their bowling unit incomplete.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Given their financial limitations, Lucknow Super Giants focused on strategic acquisitions that would add value to their squad.
Acquiring Devdutt Padikkal through trade emerged as a favorable option, particularly as it allows KL Rahul to pursue his middle-order batting aspirations.
The team, however, faces a significant concern in the absence of experienced Indian pace options, placing the majority of their expectations on Mark Wood.
Delhi Capitals (DC):
The IPL 2024 auction has made it evident that if Rishabh Pant is available, he will be exclusively playing as a batter.
Delhi Capitals secured a total of five wicketkeepers in the auction – two overseas players, Tristan Stubbs and Shai Hope, and three Indian uncapped talents in Kumar Kushagra, Ricky Bhui, and Sumit Kumar.
Additionally, they brought in Harry Brook to bolster their batting lineup, hoping for an improved performance compared to his last season with SRH.
DC also secured Jhye Richardson as a backup for the recovering Anrich Nortje. However, Delhi seems to lack batting depth, and their reliance on Prithvi Shaw is evident, with no backup Indian openers in their squad.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Despite adding Harshal Patel to their squad and reinforcing their pace lineup with Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh, the team faced challenges.
In the latter part of the IPL auction, they secured Rilee Rossouw and Chris Woakes as backup options.
However, the significant miss for them was failing to reacquire Shahrukh Khan, a decision that seemed questionable given his impactful performances in the previous season.
While they pursued the uncapped Indian star aggressively, it appeared they were unwilling to exceed the previous season’s price for Shahrukh.
Ironically, they went all-in on Rossouw, who might not secure as many first-XI opportunities compared to the Tamil Nadu batter, who would have been a certain first-choice pick.
Also Read: From Arshin Kulkarni To Sameer Rizvi: 5 Lesser Known Uncapped Players In IPL Auction 2024
