The anticipation for the IPL 2024 season is building, with the mega auction set to take place in Dubai on December 19, 2023. As the franchises finalize their squads and retain key players, fans are eager to know which team will emerge as the dominant force in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.
The first-ever foreign auction of IPL players adds an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. The auction, coinciding with the second ODI of India’s tour of South Africa, promises to set the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.
With the retention lists unveiled on November 26, 2023, each team has the monumental task of building a formidable squad within a budget of INR 100 crore. This marks a significant increase from the previous season, providing franchises with more flexibility in securing top talent.
Let’s take a closer look at the retained players for IPL 2024:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): The defending champions have retained a mix of experience and emerging talent, including the likes of MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Delhi Capitals (DC): Boasting a strong lineup, DC has held onto key players such as Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, and Anrich Nortje, setting the stage for another competitive season.
Gujarat Titans (GT): With the firepower of Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, and Kane Williamson, Gujarat Titans aim to make a strong statement in their quest for IPL glory.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Led by Shreyas Iyer, KKR has a dynamic squad that includes the explosive Andre Russell and the versatile Sunil Narine.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): KL Rahul, Mark Wood, and Nicholas Pooran are among the retained players for LSG, forming a core group capable of turning the team into serious contenders.
Mumbai Indians (MI): The five-time champions have a star-studded lineup with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Surya Kumar Yadav, making them a perennial force.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): PBKS has retained a blend of youth and experience, featuring Jonny Bairstow, Kagiso Rabada, and Shikhar Dhawan.
Rajasthan Royals (RR): Rajasthan Royals have a diverse squad, including Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, and the explosive Shimron Hetmyer.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj form the core of RCB’s retained players, aiming for their maiden IPL title.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): SRH, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, with Aiden Markram and Abdul Samad in their ranks.
As the teams gear up for the mega auction, the battle for top players will be intense. Franchises will have to strategically allocate their budgets to create a balanced squad, considering both international and uncapped Indian players.
The venue for the mega auction is yet to be finalized, with several options in contention. Each franchise has a budget of Rs 95 crore, with a mandate to spend at least 75% of the budget on players, ensuring a level playing field.
While predicting the winning team of IPL 2024 is a challenging task, the combination of experienced campaigners and emerging talents in the retained squads sets the stage for a fiercely competitive season. As the auction unfolds, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly waiting to see which team emerges as the one to watch in IPL 2024.
