IPL Auction: Which unknown gem was unearthed by talent scouts, who can follow in Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah’s footsteps? |

Six months after Wright started his new job in charge of Mumbai Indians, he convinced head coach Ricky Ponting and the Ambanis to spend Rs 10 lakh on Pandya and embarked on a glittering career. In two consecutive years, Wright gave Mumbai Indians and India two gems – the first was Jasprit Bumrah – through a strong search, which was unusual for an IPL franchise. The likes of Krunal Pandya, Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera keep adding to the list, but with each passing season the surprises seem to dwindle.

Last June-July, during the Tamil Nadu Premier League, there were quite a few who were present at various stages, looking to bring out a man who could be the X-factor because of the mystery he brings. Apart from the regulars in Tamil Nadu state, the likes of G Ajitesh, B Surya (wonderful spinner), Jhathavedh Subramanyan (leg spinner) and Gurjapneet Singh (left arm spinner) are watched with great interest. One does not know if any of these players, who are part of the IPL 2024 auction, will find interest among the teams. They may attract interest from one or more franchises.

In this age of data and scouts, it’s hard for franchises to spot talent and keep it under wraps in the hope that they can land him in a trade. Before being traded in 2019, Chennai Super Kings focused on Varun Chakravarthy, the amazing all-rounder, who disrupted their star batting line-up in 2018.

“It still hurts us (to miss Varun). He tormented us in the stands for a couple of years. It’s just that, as it is, we couldn’t keep him,” said the franchise’s head coach Stephen Fleming. “Things are with the Tamil Nadu players in different teams, they know him too. We couldn’t keep him a secret. We were very excited about him as a talent when he threw us in the net. And we would have loved him for a big price this year,” he added.

Of course, most of these non-players are coming late on the auction list, some of the franchises have been lucky enough to pick them up at their starting price because the auction does not allow the franchises to take a risk until the end. Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders had the chance to sign Ayush Badoni and Suyash Sharma respectively at low prices, but as another sale is imminent, a few Indians who were not taken – such as Manav Suthar, Sameer Rizvi, and Shubham Dubey – ended up. stand in line for Tuesday’s jackpot.

“When we see these talents, we always invite them to try out to see what they can do. And unless you’re a well-known talent, you won’t get on the trade list. But now, with 10 teams competing, it’s changed a bit. And because of the domestic T20 leagues, there are still players who have not gone through. They may not be complete bowlers, but with the Impact Player rule, it gives us an opportunity to use their expertise more. Suyash was the best performer last year, who bowled and did not bat at all. Badoni and Amit Mishra were used wisely by Lucknow,” said the official. an entrepreneur who also oversees their management team tells The Indian Express.

When the player reaches the market, it is left up to the think tank to decide how much money they want to spend on the player. “It’s hard to second-guess at the trade table. At the end of the day, you’re looking to build a strong team on paper and if a good player comes along, you won’t miss an opportunity. You never know what’s going to happen next. That’s why some come in trade because there’s no place to make a fight. And if someone he has been bought at a high price, we will lower him next year and buy him cheap,” says a franchise director.

What can you expect from the market?

Since most of the Indian players already have homes, this may be the day when the local players who do not have a game attract attention. That said, this could be another auction where a foreign player leaves as a high bidder. In this case, Australia’s Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Travis Head could hit the jackpot.

When will IPL 2024 be held?

On the evening of the auction, the franchises were informed by the IPL Governing Council that the tournament will start from March 22 and end in May. The process will be completed only after the Election Commission releases the voting dates.

Wait! Does it mean IPL will move abroad?

In 2009 and 2014, due to major elections, the IPL went overseas, for a longer duration of the tournament. But in 2019, when the general election was held in several phases, the race was held simultaneously, ensuring no conflict of dates. BCCI will do the same and the franchises have not been told about any changes, as of now.

Are all the players available?

With the T20 World Cup scheduled for June, there are concerns about whether foreign players will be available for the duration of the tournament. This is why IPL is starting earlier this time. In a statement sent to the franchises, the IPL GC has said that players from Australia, New Zealand and West Indies will be available for the entire tournament. Of course, there are a few riders who interact with other players, especially runners, but this does not seem to affect the franchise. However, the England players may not be available for the entire season as they are lined up to play a T20 against Pakistan in preparation for the T20 WC.

World Cup factor

With the sale taking place just after the 50th World Cup, expect the players who had a big show to make an impression. Although both are different brands, in the past it has not stopped franchises from becoming big. In that regard, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who has yet to light up the T20 format, could command a hefty price tag. Even teammate Daryl Mitchell can expect a big check.

Fast moving package

Pacers sell like hotcakes in IPL. With the likes of Starc, Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Gerald Coetzee, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav and Kartik Tyagi available, this could be another sale where the fast bowlers are in high demand.

On demand

Mitchell Starc

He hasn’t featured in the IPL since 2015, but he can walk away as a top-scorer at any time in 20 overs.

Pat Cummins

The tools of leadership, who has a unique style, will lead Australia to the title of the 50-over World Cup. It can also be useful with a bat.

Daryl Mitchell

A very powerful central option, who can slot into the XI immediately. He is a very special player and can also twist the plate.

Travis Head

An explosive, left-handed starter, that can provide quick starts. Who can say no to such a talent, whom the whole cricketing world admires.

Harry Brook

His junior season didn’t go the way he wanted. But he scored a 7-ball 31 against the West Indies a few nights ago to serve as a powerful reminder.

Gerald Coetzee

One that the world recognized at the World Cup. A fast bowler who can hit the high 140s and is also known for his versatility with the bat.

Wanindu Hasaranga

It is difficult to understand why he was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore. An excellent leg-spinner, who can also do damage as a batsman at No8.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Another from the Afghanistan spin pack who did well at the World Cup. Surprisingly, they were not sold last time.

Shardul Thakur

With the Impact Player rule in place, groups are not large for all players. But Thakur being a local actor can help him.