IPL 2024: Complete list of squads after the mini-auction
The Indian Premier League 2024 Auction successfully ended on December 19 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE. Some big names went under the hammer and bagged big bucks. All in all, the franchises were not hesitant in throwing huge sums of cash to get the best players in their squad ahead of the seventeenth edition of the cash-rich extravaganza.
There were 77 spots to fill of which 72 were filled by the ten franchises combined. A total of mind-boggling INR 2,30,45,00,000 or Two Hundred and Thirty Crores and Forty-Five Lacs were spent today aggregatively by the franchises. KKR spent the most, while Lucknow Super Giants spent the least amount of money.
Here’s how each team stands after the mini-auction:
Mumbai Indians: Under new captain Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians focused on bolstering their fast-bowling unit in the auction with a budget of INR 17.75 CR. Key picks included Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madhushanka, and Nuwan Thushara, alongside strategic additions like Shreyas Gopal and Mohammad Nabi. The team, finishing fourth in the previous season, aims to build on its foundation with these targeted acquisitions for the upcoming season.
Royal Challenger Bangalore: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faces a familiar challenge in the IPL, carrying the weight of past disappointments. With a new coach and sporting director, they’ve revamped strategies and acquired players like Cameron Green and Alzarri Joseph. RCB’s focus on strengthening the Indian bowling lineup is evident with additions like Yash Dayal. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium’s small dimensions pose a challenge, but the batting prowess of Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green promises an intense fight. RCB enters the 17th IPL edition with a determined spirit, aiming to overcome obstacles and contend for the title.
Chennai Super Kings: The Super Kings, after clinching their 5th IPL trophy, embark on the 2024 season with MS Dhoni leading for one more year. Addressing squad gaps, they signed Rachin Ravindra for Rs 1.8 Cr, adding batting assurance. Former player Shardul Thakur returns for INR 4 Cr, contributing experience and batting depth. The marquee signing is Daryle Mitchell, a Kiwi all-rounder, secured for a hefty INR 14 Cr. Sameer Rizvi, dubbed ‘Right-handed Suresh Raina,’ joins after a stellar UPT20 League run. Mustafizur Rahman strengthens bowling for INR 2 Cr, and young batter Avinash Rao Aravelly is acquired for INR 20 lakh.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH took decisive steps during the 2024 IPL auction, addressing key concerns from the previous season. With a substantial budget of INR 34 crore, they secured Australian captain Pat Cummins for INR 20.5 crore, shoring up their bowling. To stabilize the opening pair, they signed Travis Head for INR 6.8 crore. Recognizing the void left by Rashid Khan, SRH secured Wanindu Hasaranga for INR 1.5 crore, bolstering their spin department. The addition of Indian players like Jaydev Unadkat, Akash Singh, and Jhatavedh Subramaniam further strengthened the squad, signaling a strategic overhaul to revive their fortunes.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ahead of the 2024 IPL season, Kolkata Knight Riders appointed Gautam Gambhir as mentor after missing playoffs in 2022 and 2023. Releasing notable players, they entered the auction with the third-largest purse. Mitchell Starc was a record-breaking signing at INR 24.75 crore, strengthening the pace unit with Chetan Sakariya. Despite losing out on Rovman Powell, they pursued Chris Woakes and Spencer Johnson but withdrew due to budget constraints. Addressing the need for an Indian wicketkeeper-batter, KS Bharat was secured at base price. With limited funds post-Starc, they also added Shrefane Rutherford, Manish Pandey, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to the squad.
Gujarat Titans: In a surprising move, Gujarat Titans traded captain Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians, aiming for continued success under new captain Shubman Gill in the 2024 IPL season. Gill, designated as Pandya’s successor, had a stellar 2023 season, winning the orange cap with 890 runs. The team strategically acquired Azmatullah Omarzai and Shahrukh Khan in the auction, addressing the void left by Pandya. Bolstering their pace-bowling, Titans added Umesh Yadav and Australian seamer Spencer Johnson, along with young talents Kartik Tyagi and Sushant Mishra. The team aims to build on its short legacy and contend for the IPL title.
Lucknow Super Giants: LSG made significant moves in the 2024 IPL auction, securing bowler Shivam Mavi for INR 6.4 crore after a bidding war with RCB. They added promising uncapped batter Arshin Kulkarni and made key signings, including M Siddharth, Ashton Turner, and David Willey. LSG released eight players, retaining 18, and traded in Devdutt Padikkal. Established in 2021, LSG achieved top-four finishes in both IPL seasons. In 2023, they secured a third-place finish but lost the eliminator. With a strengthened squad, LSG aims to vie for the inaugural title in the upcoming IPL season.
Rajasthan Royals: RR, the inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), made significant moves in the mini-auction for the 17th edition. By acquiring West Indies’ Rovman Powell for INR 7.4 crore and making other strategic signings, the team aims for an improved performance after a disappointing 2023 season. Despite reaching the 2022 final, they fell short. With players like Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jos Buttler, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the Royals hope to contend for their second IPL title in 2024.
Punjab Kings: PBKS made strategic acquisitions at the 17th IPL auction in Dubai, securing Harshal Patel for INR 11.75 crore and England’s Chris Woakes for INR 4.2 crore. Despite a lackluster start, the franchise rebounded, strengthening their squad for the upcoming season. Eager to clinch their maiden IPL title, Punjab Kings aims for redemption after a forgettable 2023, finishing eighth with 12 points. With notable signings like Patel and Woakes complementing their roster, the team aspires for a memorable 2024 campaign and seeks to break their title drought in the highly anticipated tournament.
Delhi Capitals: Delhi Capitals, after a disappointing 2023 IPL season, anticipate a strong comeback in 2024 with the return of captain Rishabh Pant from a near-fatal accident. Retaining struggling players Prithvi Shaw and Anrich Nortje, aim for redemption. Despite releasing 11 players, including Manish Pandey and Chetan Sakariya, Delhi invested in wicketkeepers at the auction, securing Kumar Kushagra and others. With David Warner’s stellar performance and Pant’s imminent return, Delhi eyes a playoff spot. The addition of talents like Harry Brook and Jhye Richardson strengthens their squad for a potential title challenge in the upcoming IPL campaign.
