Analysis
IPL 2024: Top five steal deals picked by franchises in the auction
In the IPL auction 2024, many players bagged huge sums. It was a record-breaking day on the 19th of December as many teams were ready to pay the players they wanted to buy for as much money as possible. They were ready to give what it took to buy the players. On such a day, many records were set in the mini-auction. Pat Cummins became the first player to cross the mark of INR 19 crores and INR 20 crores as a player in the auction. Similarly, Starc became the first player to cross the mark of INR 22, 23, and 24 crores in the auction.
But some players were stolen in the auction. They were expected to be sold at a very high price. Given the dynamics of the auction, it was almost obvious that they were going to be in high demand in the auction, like other players. But as things turned out, these players were not as expensive as one thought them to be. It was a bit shocking to see them not get as much money as they probably deserved. But that’s how the auction usually works. The owners of the sides though, would be happy with the purchases they made.
Here are 5 steal deals in the IPL auction 2024
5. Kartik Tyagi
IPL 2024 (Source: Twitter)
Kartik Tyagi was expected to be in demand. Particularly when the unknown names were going for huge sums, Tyagi was expected to be a huge sell. He was a good option for the teams to have, as he had the experience of playing in the IPL. Surprisingly, he did not go high and was stolen by GT in the auction. He bagged a price of INR 60 lakhs, which is too low for the skills he possesses. With time and experience, he is only going to get better. GT got a bargain deal, as they got a good young pacer who could become their future.
4. Harry Brook
IPL 2024 (Source: Twitter)
Harry Brook was one of the best middle-order batters available at the auction. In the previews, it was expected to see him getting a huge sum. But what turned out was different. Brook was not targeted by many teams, which was a total surprise. Brook is someone who can bat aggressively in the middle order. In the IPL 2023, Brook did not live up to the expectations of the fans. But if given confidence, he can turn out to be a good player. In the auction of the IPL 2024, Brook was picked for just INR 4 crores, which was a steal from DC’s point of view.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga
IPL 2024 (Source: Twitter)
Wanindu Hasaranga is one of the biggest players in T20 cricket currently. The star cricketer was a phenomenon in the LPL 2023, where he was both the leading run scorer and the leading wicket-taker. He was the season as a captain. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury right before the Asai Cup 2023 and was ruled out of it and the ODI WC 2023 as well. Given the doubts over his fitness, not many players aimed to get him. But SRH did not mind having him, as he could be a very good asset if fit and running to play.
2. Azmatullah Omarzai
IPL 2024 (Source: Twitter)
Azmatullah Omarzai was expected to go very high, as he was one of the best all-rounders present in the auction. He was one of the breakthrough players in the ODI WC 2023. With a shortage in the team balance, teams were expected to go behind him. But the presence of the impact rule might have hampered his eventual price. No side except GT targeted him. GT was sure to target him, as he was almost a like-to-like replacement of Hardik Pandya. Omarzai was bought at a price of just INR 50 lakhs, which is not just a steal, but a bargain.
1. Rachin Ravindra
IPL 2024 (Source: Twitter)
Rachin Ravindra was one of the Players of the ODI WC 2023. The youngster became a sensation in the tournament and helped NZ to enter the semifinal with his batting efforts. With his ability to perform in more than one department, Rachin was considered one of the players to bag the highest deal. What turned out was unexpected. Ravindra was stolen by CSK for a sum of just INR 1.5 crores. To get a talented young player like him for just about INR 1.5 crores was a daylight robbery. It might well be one of the biggest daylight steals in the history of the IPL auction.
