Both the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have sizable fan bases and have produced top-notch cricket in the IPL for the past 15 years. But RCB’s continuous pursuit of their first IPL championship contrasts sharply with MI’s five IPL championships.
The journeys of both teams were interrupted in 2023 by Gujarat Titans (GT). At their home ground, MI lost badly, by 62 runs, while RCB lost heartbreakingly, by six wickets. Now that the 2024 Indian Premier League auction is drawing near, both teams have made available players who might fetch high prices on December 19.
Eleven players, some with established track records and impressive reputations, were released by RCB this year. These released RCB players may be attractive targets for MI at the upcoming auction given their potential.
RCB Released Player
3 RCB Released Players Potentially Appealing to MI in IPL 2024 Auction.
The Mumbai Indians (MI) have a rare chance to strengthen their roster by judiciously acquiring players released by other teams as the IPL 2024 auction draws near. Three former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) players stand out as intriguing options for MI among these available players:
1. Josh Hazlewood:
Jasprit Bumrah‘s fellow fast bowler isn’t the only one MI’s bowling attack lacks experience with. Hazlewood is an ideal fit because of his wealth of experience, his demonstrated ability to swing the ball early, and his economy in the final overs. His experience in high-pressure matches and familiarity with Indian conditions would be a great asset to MI’s arsenal.
2. Wanindu Hasaranga:
MI’s spin department hasn’t been very reliable in the past few seasons. MI’s spin attack would be greatly enhanced by Hasaranga’s extraordinary ability as a leg-spinner, who can both take wickets and manage the run rate in the middle overs. His leg spin would add diversity to MI’s bowling attack and be especially useful on Mumbai’s spin-friendly pitches.
3. Michael Bracewell:
MI has been looking hard to find a dependable all-round player who can offer depth to their bowling and batting lineups. Bracewell is a highly sought-after asset due to his ability to contribute both with the bat in the middle order and by taking crucial wickets. His seam bowling from the left arm could be especially useful against left-handed hitters, a flaw that MI has historically struggled with.
The IPL 2024 Auction is scheduled to occur in Dubai on December 19, which has created a great deal of excitement for this mini-auction that will include many well-known players from both India and outside.
Eleven hundred and sixty-six players have entered the auction, which is the last mini-auction before the big one the following year. The 77 available spots, which include 30 reserved for international players, provide the 10 competing teams a combined expenditure cap of Rs 262.95 crore.
While much attention is typically on established players, the spotlight in this auction may shift towards uncapped Indian talents. Major franchises, such as Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), are expected to keenly explore the pool of uncapped players to bolster their squads affordably.
Three uncapped players who might cause RCB and MI to engage in a bidding war at the IPL Auction are highlighted below:
Hrithik Shokeen:
During his two seasons with the Mumbai Indians, Shokeen played in 13 games and claimed five wickets at an economy rate slightly above nine. The 23-year-old spinner, who has taken 12 wickets in 18 games for Delhi in his career, could have been a great addition to MI’s spin attack with Kumar Karthikeya. MI decided to release Shokeen despite his potential to reallocate funds to acquire Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans.
RCB may go after Hrithik Shokeen because they need a good Indian spinner after Wanindu Hasaranga was released. Shokeen, who is 23 years old, is a promising option for the RCB, especially in light of their meager investment in quality spinners outside of Yuzvendra Chahal.
Kartik Tyagi:
Regarded as one of India’s fastest-rising bowlers, Tyagi’s quickness and capacity to take wickets can be a lethal combination. Needing pace options, RCB and MI might be tempted to make a high bid for Tyagi’s services.
Sarfaraz Khan:
Throughout all formats, this young batting prodigy has consistently scored runs. He’s a valuable player because of his ability to bat in multiple positions and play at a fast pace. Sarfaraz may be of interest to RCB, who are trying to strengthen their middle order, and MI, who are looking for a long-term batting solution.
Extra Elements
Team purse: RCB and MI’s remaining purses will be very important to their bidding tactics.
Team composition: When making decisions at the auction, both teams will need to take into account the makeup of their current squads as well as any unique requirements.Teams interested in these players: The existence of other teams interested in these players may increase their prices and intensify the bidding war.
All things considered, the IPL 2024 auction could see a bidding war between RCB and MI over these three uncapped players. Due to their skill and potential influence in the future, they might command a high price and be an asset to either team.
Even though MS Dhoni is still playing for CSK, his repeated ailments could force him to retire. It won’t be long until the Chennai team needs competent guys to step up and take his place.
Backup Players for MS Dhoni
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have confirmed the retention of MS Dhoni for the upcoming IPL 2024 auction, eliciting joy among CSK fans anticipating another season with their beloved ‘Thala.’ However, Dhoni’s fitness challenges, highlighted in IPL 2023 due to knee surgery, raise concerns about his readiness for IPL 2024. As CSK prepares for the auction, the focus shifts to the team’s post-Dhoni future, prompting consideration of potential wicketkeeping successors. Here, we explore three prospects CSK may pursue in IPL 2024 to serve as an understudy to Dhoni behind the stumps.
In the IPL 2024 auction, CSK may seek the following three players as MS Dhoni’s backups:
1. KS Bharat: A Promising Wicketkeeper-Batsman with IPL Potential
A versatile cricketer with good technique and a reliable batting style, KS Bharat has been producing some amazing performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Although he has played mostly as a substitute for several different teams, Bharat has shown that he is a capable middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper.
His big break came while he was a player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2021 Indian Premier League. He established himself as a potential match-winner by amassing 191 runs at an impressive strike rate of 113.89 in just eight matches.
However, when he was cut by RCB prior to the 2022 season, his IPL career took an unexpected turn. Unfazed, he signed with the Gujarat Titans, who went on to win the Indian Premier League, demonstrating that Bharat’s skill was not limited to one team.
Even though he wasn’t a regular starter, Bharat’s performances were consistently impressive. He was a great asset to the team because of his cool head and quick reflexes behind the stumps.
Bharat may be added to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) roster as the IPL 2024 auction draws near. His expertise and capacity to support the ageing MS Dhoni would be a great asset to the group.
KS Bharat has the ability, commitment, and flexibility to make a significant impact in the IPL. It appears that he will have a bright future in the league, and supporters should anticipate seeing him contribute significantly for years to come.
2. Sam Billings: A CSK Gem Worth Re-Signing
During his time with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sam Billings, a versatile cricketer with a knack for finishing games, made a lasting impression. His 503 runs, 30 games, and 130 strike rate speak for themselves about what he has contributed to the team. His 2018 IPL match-winning 56 off 23 balls, which ignited CSK’s 203-run comeback, embodies his capacity to rise to the occasion.
Billings had to leave due to international obligations, but CSK should think about resigning him. His leadership, wicketkeeping, and finishing skills make him an indispensable asset, particularly as CSK enters a post-MS Dhoni era. Billings’s experience and leadership abilities may be very important in helping to guide the team’s young core.
Combining skill, experience, and the potential to be a leader makes Sam Billings an attractive option for CSK’s future plans. His return might boost the team’s hopes for more IPL success and rekindle their winning culture.
3. Narayan Jagadeesan: A Promising Wicketkeeper-Batsman Poised for a Comeback
With his skill as a wicketkeeper and batsman, Narayan Jagadeesan has become one of Tamil Nadu domestic cricket’s most reliable players. The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni had an understudy in him at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) thanks to his outstanding performances. When Jagadeesan was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2023 IPL auction, more people realised how talented he was. However, after only 89 runs in six games, his IPL career was ended.
Despite his short IPL career, Jagadeesan has an excellent overall T20 record. With 1195 runs in 59 games—six half-centuries—he has proven that he can either lead the innings or produce late-order fireworks. His reputation as a dependable and secure wicketkeeper behind the stumps stems from his equally impressive wicketkeeping abilities.
The fact that Jagadeesan is well acquainted with MS Dhoni, who has been closely monitoring his progress, may work to his favour as he attempts to lead CSK to victory. With Jagadeesan’s potential to be a valuable asset for the team, Dhoni’s endorsement might persuade the team management to acquire him.
Jagadeesan is well-positioned to rekindle his IPL career and establish himself as a dependable wicketkeeper-batsman in the lucrative league as the IPL 2024 auction draws near. Teams looking for a reliable wicketkeeper and a versatile batsman will find him appealing due to his domestic performances, IPL experience, and room to grow under MS Dhoni’s guidance.
The Gujarat Titans have looked to the youthful and gifted Shubman Gill to guide them into a new era following the departure of Hardik Pandya. Although this choice may come as a surprise to some, it was widely expected and it represents the franchise’s future goals.
Gill is already a formidable force on the pitch thanks to his outstanding performances. His reputation as a top player was solidified by his reliable batting, which led to him winning the coveted Orange Cap in the 2023 Indian Premier League. His leadership skills and composed manner, which he developed while leading Punjab in domestic cricket, further confirmed his fit for the position.
shubman gill captain
The Titans took a long-term approach, believing that Gill could inspire and bring together a young and experienced team, even though veteran players like Rashid Khan and Kane Williamson were also taken into consideration. This choice is a clear indication of the franchise’s dedication to long-term success and their faith in Gill’s ability to build on the solid foundation Pandya set.
The nomination of Gill as captain has garnered a lot of support. Coach Ashish Nehra declared, “Shubman is a young and dynamic leader who has already made a significant impact on the game,” expressing his unwavering confidence in Gill’s leadership abilities. He will undoubtedly take the Gujarat Titans to new heights, in our opinion.”
“I am honoured and humbled to be named captain of the Gujarat Titans,” Gill said, echoing this confidence. I’m thrilled to be leading this accomplished group and carrying on our winning legacy. I am sure that we can accomplish great things together because we have a strong team with a wonderful balance of youth and experience.”
Excitement among fans and analysts alike is growing as the 2024 IPL season approaches. The Gujarat Titans have given their future to a deserving leader, that much is certain. With his extraordinary talent, ability to lead, and tactical sense, Shubman Gill is well-positioned to lead the team to victory and change the franchise’s history. The cricket community is excited to see what magic this young captain will work on the big IPL stage.
