IPL Auction 2024

Top 5 highest base price players who were not shortlisted for IPL mini-auction 2024

The Cricket Control Board in India have revealed the shortlist for the IPL 2024 auction on December 11, 2023, featuring 333 players to be auctioned in Dubai on December 19, 2023. From an initial pool of 1166 players, 333 were selected, including 119 overseas players, such as Netherlands’ fast bowler Paul van Meekeren and Namibia all-rounder David Wiese.

The auction will kick off with capped players, starting with batters, followed by all-rounders, wicketkeepers, fast bowlers, and spinners. The same order will apply to uncapped players. Notably, some notable players did not cut the IPL 2024 mini-auction.

A total of 77 slots are up for grabs in the upcoming auction, with a maximum of 30 allocated for overseas players. Among the participants, 23 have set the highest reserve price of Rs 2 crore. Additionally, 13 players have a base price of Rs 1.5 crore. The auction is scheduled to commence at 1 PM local time in Dubai, corresponding to 2:30 PM IST.

Among all these segregations, let us look at the top 5 players of the highest base price who were not shortlisted for the mini-auction;

Dawid Malan

One of the most shocking names is England opener Dawid Malan. Malan has maintained his base price at INR 2 crores for the IPL 2024 auction. Formerly the top-ranked T20I batter, Malan’s influence in the format has diminished. With 8667 runs in 316 T20s, including five centuries and a strike rate of 129.74, his IPL experience is limited to one game with Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. However, his absence from the shortlist may be attributed to his limited exposure in India and struggles against quality spin, compounded by his age, being on the wrong side of 30, hindering his IPL prospects.

Angelo Mathews

The star Sri Lankan all-round cricketer, Angelo Mathews has been a fixture in the IPL across multiple seasons, representing teams like Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Pune Warriors. Unfortunately, a combination of subpar performances and injuries has hindered his impact, rendering his stints in the IPL less advantageous for the respective teams. Now, at the age of 37, it appears that both Mathews and IPL franchises have shifted focus, signalling a transition from his earlier prominence in the tournament.

Moises Henriques

Another big name on the list is Moises Henriques. Currently, Henriques is leading the Sydney Sixers side in the ongoing Big Bash League. He has guided the franchise to two BBL titles. He also previously had a successful stint in the IPL with Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians. Henriques is known for his tall pace bowling and powerful batting and has also represented his country in four Tests, 16 ODIs, and 24 T20Is. With an impressive T20 record of 4963 runs and 116 wickets in 262 matches, Henriques, nearing 37 years of age, did not attract interest from franchises for the IPL 2024 auction.

Chris Lynn

The star Australia opener Chris Lynn was formerly the powerhouse for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He even created havoc for opposition bowlers in multiple seasons. With over 400 runs in both IPL 2018 and 2019, he has a total of 1329 runs in 42 matches in the tournament, boasting a best of 93 and a strike rate of 140.63. Unfortunately, injuries and form struggles hindered his impact and availability, leading IPL franchises to overlook him. Lynn’s most recent appearance in the IPL was a solitary match for Mumbai Indians in 2021.

Martin Guptill

Despite being such a big name in international cricket, it was like Martin Guptill couldn’t quite master the IPL challenge ever. Across 13 matches, he accumulated 270 runs with just one half-century. His perceived vulnerability against top-notch spin bowling and struggles to adapt to Indian pitches have resulted in waning interest from franchises in the Kiwi opener. Even maintaining a base price of INR 2 crores hasn’t significantly boosted his prospects, especially considering his transition to freelance status.