The IPL 2024 auction saw franchises engage in intense bidding wars for acquiring the top Indian talent. Several talented domestic cricketers took home massive paychecks. The glitz, glamor and massive money associated with the Indian Premier League was evident yet again during the latest IPL 2024 auction.
Franchises were involved in intense bidding wars to acquire the best Indian talent available in the domestic cricket circuit. Several talented cricketers struck gold by attracting massive bids, breaking previous auction records for Indian players.
Let’s take a look at the five most expensive Indian buys of the IPL 2024 auction, analyze why franchises broke the bank for them, and assess whether these players justified the huge price tags. With multi-crore deals for domestic cricketers becoming a norm, the IPL auction continues to showcase the intoxicating appeal of the cash-rich league.
5 most expensive Indian Players in IPL 2024 Auction:
1. Harshal Patel (Rs 11.75 crore):
The purple cap winner from IPL 2021 became the joint most expensive Indian player in IPL auction history (alongside Yuvraj Singh) when Punjab Kings bought him for Rs 11.75 crore.
The clever medium pacer has been one of the most consistent wicket-takers with his variations and death bowling expertise. With 111 wickets from 92 IPL matches, Harshal’s experience will be invaluable for nurturing PBKS’ young Indian pacers.
His batting strike rate of 128 in lower-middle order is an added bonus. Harshal Patel fills a vital gap in Punjab’s bowling attack and his purchase was well worth the record price.
2. Sameer Rizvi (Rs 8.4 crore):
Chennai Super Kings went all out to buy talented Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Sameer Rizvi, splurging Rs 8.4 crore. The 20-year old is relatively inexperienced but has shown glimpses of his wicket-taking abilities.
Rizvi impressed in his maiden Ranji season, picking up 18 wickets in 5 matches at an excellent economy rate of 3.76. He can turn the ball sharply and outfox batters with his googly and top-spinner.
CSK needed youth injection in their spin bowling department. At Rs 8.4 crore, Rizvi is a big punt based on potential but he can develop well under MS Dhoni’s mentorship.
3. Shahrukh Khan (Rs 7.4 crore):
Punjab Kings used RTM to retain power-hitter Shahrukh Khan for Rs 7.4 crore amidst bidding interest from Gujarat Titans. The Tamil Nadu batter is renowned for his power-hitting and striking cleanly from ball one.
Though he has a modest IPL record so far (153 runs in 16 matches), Shahrukh has all the attributes of a dynamic finisher. He also provides a quality sixth bowling option with his right-arm seamers.
PBKS wanted to retain his services and showed faith by shelling out Rs 7.4 crore. Still only 27, expect fireworks from this explosive finisher once he finds consistency.
4. Kumar Kushagra (Rs 6.25 crore):
Delhi Capitals snapped up 17-year old batting prodigy Kumar Kushagra for a whopping Rs 6.25 crore at the auction. The Jharkhand teenager is rated extremely highly for his technique and wide range of strokes.
Kushagra has already impressed in junior cricket. He became the youngest double centurion on Ranji Trophy debut aged just 17 years and 29 days last year.
DC pulled off a coup by nabbing this promising batter at a high price. As understudy to Rishabh Pant, Kushagra is an exciting prospect and long-term investment for Delhi.
5. Shivam Mavi (Rs 6 crore):
Kolkata Knight Riders used the RTM card to bring talented young pacer Shivam Mavi back in the fold for Rs 6 crore. After impressing initially for KKR, Mavi’s career was derailed by injuries.
Now back to full fitness, the 25-year old clocked speeds above 145 kmph in the recent Ranji Trophy. His raw pace, aggression and hitting abilities make him a good white-ball package.
KKR is the ideal franchise for Mavi to rekindle his career. Rs 6 crore is a reasonable price to pay for a young quick capable of consistently bowling over 140 kmph in T20s.
Final Thoughts:
Franchises adopted different strategies at the IPL 2024 auction for acquiring top Indian talent. Some players like Rizvi and Kushagra were bought based on raw potential for the future. Experienced stars like Harshal and Shahrukh attracted massive bids owing to their proven credentials.
It will be exciting to see how these expensive Indian recruits perform when the IPL carnival arrives in March 22, 2024!