IPL Auction

Auction Antics: The 5 Most Unexpected Picks for IPL 2024

Auction Antics: The 5 Most Unexpected Picks for IPL 2024

The IPL auction made headlines this year with its move to Dubai, marking the first time it was held outside of India. The one-day event was packed with thrill as teams fought it out to secure their picks. Among the striking deals was Australian bowler Mitchell Starc’s highest contract worth Rs 24.75 crore with the Kolkata Knight Riders, making him the highest-paid player in IPL history.

In total, the auction saw 72 players being snapped up by the 10 franchises, with a whopping Rs 230.45 crore splurged in the process. The mix of talent was diverse, ranging from promising Indian newcomers to seasoned international stars. What made this auction particularly intriguing were the unexpected selections. Some highly anticipated players fetched lower bids than expected, while lesser-known names scored big paydays, leaving everyone pleasantly surprised. Meanwhile, visit the online betting website iplcricbet for live scores and the latest news about Cricket and IPL 2024.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): Sold to SRH for Rs 1.50 crore

Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan spinner, was expected to be expensive but was bought for just Rs 1.50 crore by SRH. This was surprising given his skills and experience. He was previously sold for Rs 10.75 crore to RCB. His low-cost purchase by SRH was the auction’s biggest steal.

Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): Sold to CSK for Rs 14 crore

Daryl Mitchell from New Zealand was a surprise hit at the auction, scoring a remarkable bid of Rs 14 crore from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). While his talent was recognized, the high bid surprised many. Mitchell’s outstanding performance in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup likely contributed to the excitement around him. CSK’s decision to sign him was clear as they kept bidding until no other team dared to compete. Known for his ability to hit big sixes, the right-handed batsman became the third most expensive pick of the auction, after Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand): Sold to CSK for Rs 1.80 crore

There was much supposition about New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra commanding a high price, after the memorable World Cup 2023. His abilities to bat and bowl proficiently are usually in high demand. However, Chennai Super Kings surprised everyone by signing him for a relatively inexpensive fee of Rs 1.80 crore. Although the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings first showed interest, the bidding stopped at around Rs 2 crore, allowing CSK to sign him smoothly. Even at this point, the energetic youngster is probably quite happy to be able to train under one of cricket’s best captains, MS Dhoni.

Sameer Rizvi (India): Sold to CSK for Rs 8.40 crore

The fresh-faced batter from Uttar Pradesh joined the auction with a base price of Rs 20 lakh. Little did he know that teams would break the bank for him. Rizvi is only 20, and received bids from three franchises: CSK, GT, and DC, with CSK ultimately winning the deal. If we look at Rizvi’s domestic statistics (295 runs in 11 T20s), he appears to be an ordinary performer; yet, his accessible film reveals a different picture. The right-handed hitter has a variety of strokes, which is uncommon. CSK saw him as a suitable alternative for Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu, who just declared his retirement.

Kumar Kushagra (India): Sold to DC at Rs 7.20 crore

Shashikant, Kumar’s father, revealed that Ganguly assured Kushagra of a spot in the Delhi Capitals (DC) team and pledged to bid for him until reaching Rs 10 crore. This gesture from the veteran Indian skipper signifies the immense confidence Ganguly has in Kushagra’s potential. Despite being relatively unknown until recently, the endorsement from Sourav Ganguly indicates a promising future for the 19-year-old cricketer from Jharkhand. Kushagra is widely regarded as a strong batter with proficient wicket-keeping skills. While his performance in domestic T20 matches may not have been outstanding, DC’s decision to invest heavily in Kushagra suggests a deep trust in his abilities.

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Richa Sharma

Richa Sharma is a seasoned sports writer with a passion for cricket. With over five years of experience in sports journalism, she has covered numerous IPL seasons, providing insightful analysis and captivating stories. Richa's expertise lies in dissecting match strategies and uncovering behind-the-scenes stories that keep cricket enthusiasts engaged. When she's not glued to the cricket field, Samantha enjoys hiking and exploring new cuisines.