5 World Cup 2023 stars set to dominate IPL 2024 auctions

Every Indian Premier League (IPL) auction witnesses some players commanding crores due to their massive appeal among franchises. For instance, in the IPL 2023 auctions, England’s Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, and Australia’s Cameron Green were acquired for more than Rs 16 crore.

This year, the IPL mini auctions in Dubai are expected to witness players being acquired at hefty prices following their recent top-notch performances in the World Cup 2023.

Here are 5 players who might command hefty prices at the auctions:

1. Rachin Ravindra

• The 23-year-old New Zealand player of Indian origin was a standout performer in the 2023 World Cup and is expected to be a sought-after name in the auctions.
• He is likely to be in demand by teams such as Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders as both teams require a top-order batter who can provide a solid start in the initial overs.

• Ravindra's century in the first World Cup match was followed by two more centuries and two half-centuries in the tournament, totaling 578 runs in 10 matches.

• He was among the top 5 leading scorers in the tournament, showcasing his hitting prowess and ability to handle the new ball well.

• He's anticipated to be a big name at the auctions on December 19, 2023.

2. Travis Head

• The Australian World Cup hero, Travis Head, will be another highly sought-after player in the auctions.

• His memorable innings in the finals against India, where he scored 137 off 120 balls, gained him recognition in Australia.

• Head played only 6 matches in the World Cup, averaging 54.83. His pivotal knock in the finals made him a household name in India.

• He previously played in the IPL in 2016 and 2017 for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals but didn't leave a significant mark.

• However, expectations are high for a different outcome in 2024, especially as Travis Head is in exceptional form this season.

3. Gerald Coetzee

• The South African left-arm pacer emerged as a standout player in the World Cup, taking 18 wickets in 8 matches.

• Making his ODI debut for South Africa in March 2023, Coetzee swiftly made it to the World Cup squad due to his ability to strike early with the new ball.
• With 31 wickets in 14 ODIs for South Africa, he proved to be a valuable asset in the World Cup.
• Franchises will have their eyes on Coetzee, considering the high demand for left-arm pacers on Indian pitches.

4. Pat Cummins

• The Australian allrounder will be another notable name at the auctions on December 19.
• Released by KKR this season, Pat Cummins is likely to be in demand for two reasons. Firstly, he is a versatile bowling all-rounder, a valuable asset in T20 matches.

• Secondly, Cummins has leadership experience, having led the Australian team to victory in the World Cup despite a slow start.
• His leadership skills have been evident in leading the team to the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and then the World Cup in 2023.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad could be front runners in the hunt for Cummins, considering their need for a skipper after disastrous last two seasons.

5. Daryl Mitchell

• The 32-year-old batter was one of the leading run-scorers for New Zealand, amassing 552 runs in 9 matches with an average of 61.33.

• Mitchell was part of the IPL team Rajasthan Royals in 2022 but featured in only 2 matches.
• Acquired by RR at Rs 75 lakh, he was released ahead of the 2023 auctions.
• Nevertheless, Mitchell is expected to command a good price in these auctions owing to his batting prowess displayed in the World Cup.