Cricket News

Top 5 most expensive uncapped players at IPL Auction

The Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai buzzed with excitement yesterday as the intense bidding wars of the IPL 2024 auction unfolded. All the ten franchises were hungry for talented players to build championship-caliber squads. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins became the auction’s hottest commodities, soaring at a past the 20 crore mark with their record-breaking bids.

Beyond the foreign stars’ million-dollar deals, uncapped Indian talents who’d dazzled in domestic cricket landed impressive contracts, proving their worth. Here’s a look at the top-5 most expensive uncapped players:

Sameer Rizvi

Chennai Super Kings has stunned the cricket world by snapping the 20-year-old Sameer Rizvi for a massive 8.4 crores. The unknown Uttar Pradesh batsman, a six-hitting sensation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and UP T20 League, sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. With a record-breaking 455 runs in just nine T20 innings during the UP T20 League and some impressive outing in the Syed Mushtq Ali Trophy, Rizvi triggered a bidding war. CSK, a team which is otherwise known to recruit experienced personnel, decided to replace Ambati Rayudu with this young man who is full of potential.

Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder, was snapped up by Gujarat Titans for a staggering ₹7.4 crore. This hefty price tag raised eyebrows, considering Khan’s somewhat underwhelming IPL stats. He has a strike rate of just 134.81, despite being a power-hitter and consistency has been a nagging concern.

However, several factors may explain the bidding frenzy. Firstly, Khan’s raw power is undeniable. His ability to smash sixes in death overs is a valuable asset, especially in T20 cricket. Secondly, he’s a versatile player, chipping in with valuable medium pace bowling. Thirdly, Gujarat might be looking to fill the void that is left by Hardik Pandya, another explosive finisher with bowling ability. Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that IPL auctions are about potential, not just past performance. Khan’s talent is undeniable, and teams have been taking calculated risks on players with untapped potential. Gujarat, the reigning champions, evidently believe Khan can blossom under their guidance.

Kumar Kushagra

Delhi Capitals’ purchase of Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Kushagra for a staggering INR 7.2 crores was a headline-grabbing move. The 20-year-old, initially listed at a base price of just INR 20 lakhs, witnessed a bidding war for the ages, highlighting his immense potential and leaving cricket fans buzzing.

While the talent is there for everyone to see, Kushagra has not been the most consistent performer and his latest outings in the domestic circuit haven’t been too inspiring either. However, the Delhi Capitals have taken a punt on this young man and it remains to be seen if he will repay their faith with some good performances.

Shubham Dubey

Shubham Dubey, a 29-year-old uncapped batsman from Vidarbha, found himself catapulted into the limelight after being bagged by Rajasthan Royals for a staggering 5.8 crore rupees. This astronomical sum, nearly 30 times his base price, marks a remarkable turnaround for a player who has toiled diligently on the domestic circuit for years.

Dubey’s has been showing an exceptional performace. His blistering knock of 58 off just 20 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, instrumental in Vidarbha’s record chase, sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. His consistent run-scoring prowess, coupled with an aggressive streak and impressive strike rate, made him a hot commodity during the auction. Rajasthan Royals, has recognised his potential as a middle-order enforcer, engaged in a fierce bidding war with Delhi Capitals before securing the rights to the Vidarbha star. This hefty investment underscores the franchise’s faith in Dubey’s ability to replicate his domestic exploits on the grand stage of the IPL.

Yash Dayal

Yash Dayal, the left-arm fast bowler, found himself in the spotlight during the 2024 IPL auction. Despite being released by the previous team. Gujarat Titans, after a forgettable last season, RCB surprisingly snatched him up for a hefty sum of ₹5 crore. This bold move raised eyebrows, considering Dayal’s infamous encounter with Kolkata Knight Rider’s Rinku Singh, who smashed five consecutive sixes off him in the final over of a match.

However, RCB’s Director of Cricket, Max Bobat, remains unfazed by the past debacle. In a press conference, he shed light on the strategic thinking behind the Dayal acquisition, stating, “It ticks a lot of boxes with Yash Dayal. We like the left-arm angle, we like the fact that he moves the ball up front, and we want to make sure we’ve got the right battery of bowlers domestically that can supplement the likes of Alzarri.”