IPL 2024: 5 unexpected players who can start the auction war!

BY A STAFF REPORTER: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for producing new stars with every edition. Team analysts spend countless hours every season working behind perfect players to build a well-rounded team. This results in many interesting auction battles on unsuspecting players, considering the ability of any squad to maintain balance. The IPL 2024 auction is sure to see more such conflicts between the teams. Teams will be looking to invest in the future and bring young players into their teams. The mini-auction gives them the perfect opportunity to do so.

These five players could steal the spotlight on the upcoming auction:

David Wiley:  England fast bowler David Willey is set to focus on franchise cricket after announcing his retirement from international cricket. Although Willey retired early from the England team due to a dispute with the board, there is still a lot of cricket left in him. Willey's consistent bowling was the only bright spark in England's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. The left-arm pacer has 51 T20 and six IPL wickets to his name. However, he has been relatively profitable with just 7.56 runs in 11 matches in the IPL so far. He will be an asset for teams looking for some variety in the pace attack.

Daryl Mitchell: New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell has shown how much he loves playing in subcontinent conditions in the 2023 ODI World Cup. A middle-order batsman who is not afraid to chase the bowling from the start, Mitchell is particularly lethal against spinners. His role in the New Zealand team is as a presenter who comes down the order and prevents a possible downfall. This makes him suitable for tournaments like the IPL where top order batsmen play short but explosive innings. Daryl Mitchell can also be a backup bowler which gives the team he plays the flexibility to choose an additional specialist batsman or bowler.

Rachin Ravindra: Young Rachin Ravindra made a great impact in his debut World Cup, becoming New Zealand's top scorer in the tournament. He can start the innings as well as play in the number three position. Ravindra is also an effective slow left-arm spinner. He can snatch the ball from right-handers. This skill will also be extremely valuable in Indian conditions where holding and spinning the ball. Ravindra has scored 767 runs in ODIs at an average of 45.11.

Dilshan Madushanka: Dilshan Madushanka led Sri Lanka's attack in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The 23-year-old Madushanka has taken 31 ODI and 12 T20I wickets. Madushanka is particularly effective in changing her pace. His natural bowling angle takes the ball away from the right-handed batsman, making him difficult to hit. He also has a disguised bouncer that can surprise batsmen. Madushanka will be an attractive option for teams looking for young seamers. He can start an auction war between the parties.

Azmatullah Omarzai: Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai was one of the youngsters who impressed at the 2023 ODI World Cup. He has a batting average of 44.54 in 16 ODIs so far. He has also taken 13 wickets at an economy rate of 5.68. A middle-order batsman who can bowl with the new ball as well as the old ball, Omarzai's skills make him ideal for T20 cricket. His innings of 97 not out against South Africa was the pinnacle of a remarkable campaign where he averaged over 70 at a strike rate of 97.78. Omarzai can also swing the new ball. Teams with older players can target Azmatullah to infuse some young blood into their squad.