IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore’s budget buys set to play vital roles in the league

History beckoned Royal Challengers Bangalore’s aggressive bidding strategy as they approached the IPL 2024 Auction.  After letting go of players like Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, Sri Lankan bowler Wanindu Hasaranga, and Indian skipper Harshal Patel during the off-season, the club had an abundance of bowling shoes to make up.

The Bangalore-based franchise made only a few signings despite having a hefty budget. They were only able to make four signings under the range of 2 crores. However, some of the purchases are bargains and can be designated as the right investments. Therefore, let’s take a look at some players who will be a value for money this time around.

Read More: GT IPL 2024 Schedule: Gujarat Titans Match List, Dates, Venues, and Timings in IST

Taking look at Royal Challengers Bangalore’s budget buys set to play vital roles in the league

3) Saurav Chauhan (50 Lakhs)

Saurav Chauhan (Source: Twitter)

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have discovered a player with immense promise in Saurav Chauhan. He holds the title for the best strike rate during a single innings (338.88) after facing at least 10 balls during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). He hit 251 runs for Gujarat in this year’s SMAT with an astounding strike rate of 184.55.

With uncertainty over the Wicket-keeper spot, the team management might just look to provide the youngster a debut during the upcoming edition. If he can get his form up, he might just be starting ahead of the experienced Dinesh Karthik as well as youngster Anuj Rawat.

2) Tom Curran (1.5 Crore)

Tom Curran (Source: Twitter)

The adaptable all-rounder gives any team balance since he can contribute with the bat and the ball. Among Curran’s many talents are a fantastic yorker and a cunning slower ball played from the back of the hand. He joins experienced pacers Mohammed Siraj and Lockie Ferguson in the Bangalore lineup, which has a potential of wrecking batters using their fast bowlers.

Curran’s trip to the Royal Challengers Bangalore might be taking a surprise trajectory even before it gets started due to his injury. Curran was purchased by RCB for an impressive INR 1.5 crore during the most recent auction. The Bengaluru-based team was counting heavily on Curran’s all-around skills to have a big influence on the 2024 IPL season. 

3) Lockie Ferguson (2 Crore)

Lockie Ferguson (Source: Twitter)

Ferguson, who is well-known for his lightning quickness and capacity to always pose a threat to hitters with his quick pace, appeared in just three IPL 2023 games for KKR and took just one wicket. Ferguson has played in 38 games overall in this lucrative league, taking 37 wickets. His best showing was 4/28. With an unusual bowling motion and significant bounce, the Black Caps speedster has shown to be a useful addition to IPL clubs.

Due to his performances throughout his IPL stints, which demonstrated his potency  he is now a highly sought-after bowler. In addition to his explosive speed, Ferguson’s bowling has a degree of unpredictable variance due to his variety of strokes. He would be expected to share the fast bowling load alongside Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal.