Last Updated on 2 hours by Charbel Coorey
Cricket Opinion: A look at the top 5 best value for money picks from the 2024 IPL Auction
The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction made headlines for the astronomical, record-breaking sums. Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in IPL history (24.75cr) less than two hours after Australian teammate Pat Cummins (20.5cr) broke the previous record held by Sam Curran.
However, the auction was also home to some excellent value-for-money picks. These players were expected to go for bigger amounts, but the franchise who won their services wouldn’t be complaining. Not only do they have an excellent player in their ranks, but they have it at a relatively cheap price.
IPL 2024 Auction: Top 5 best value for money picks
Here is a look at CricBlog’s top five best value-for-money purchases at the IPL 2024 Auction.
Rachin Ravindra to CSK for 1.8 crore
Talented New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was tipped to go for big money. Instead, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) picked up a steal, landing Ravindra for 1.8 crore (approx. US$216,000).
Ravindra made headlines in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. His tournament well and truly put him on the map, smashing 578 runs at an average of 64.22 and strike rate of 106.44 along with five wickets. His batting against spin should come in handy at Chepauk, and his all-round talent will make MS Dhoni’s team even harder to beat as they push for back-to-back titles.
Wanindu Hasaranga to SRH for 1.5 crore
He may have struggled with injuries in recent times, but Wanindu Hasaranga to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at his base price of 1.5 crore (approx. US$180,000) is an excellent pick. Hasaranga provides SRH with an attacking option in the middle overs. In fact, out of his 35 IPL wickets so far, 23 have come between overs 7-16 where he strikes every 19.3 deliveries on average.
Also, Hasaranga provides a lower-order hitting advantage for SRH. However, the key for the franchise will be how they fit Hasaranga into their plans with a number of very talented overseas players at their disposal.
Azmatullah Omarzai to GT for 50 lakh
Like Ravindra, Azmatullah Omarzai had a terrific Cricket World Cup campaign. The 23-year old Afghan made a huge impression in the middle order, playing a key role in Afghanistan’s promising campaign. He finished with 353 runs at an average of 70.60 and strike rate of 97.78, with three fifties in eight innings. In addition, he took seven wickets.
Gujarat Titans (GT) would be thrilled to land his services for just 50 lakh (approx. US$60,000). While replacing Hardik Pandya is a massive ask, he can certainly provide GT with impetus in the middle order and handy overs with the ball.
Harry Brook to DC for 4 crore
Harry Brook did not live up to his price tag in IPL 2023. But, his talent is for all to see. Delhi Capitals (DC) picked him up for a decent 4 crore (approx. US$708,000), where he can play an important role in the middle order alongside the returning Rishabh Pant. Plus, when you consider DC have David Warner, Prithvi Shaw and Mitchell Marsh in their top three, it’s shaping up to be an exciting batting lineup.
Gerald Coetzee to MI for 5 crore
South African Gerald Coetzee was also tipped to go for higher than his eventual 5 crore (approx. US$885,000). Coetzee has made a huge impression in 2023, where he finished level with Mumbai Indians (MI) teammate Jasprit Bumrah with 20 wickets in the Cricket World Cup. More impressive was the fact he struck every 19.05 deliveries and looked to lift his team’s spirits, especially in the semi-final against Australia.
Coetzee for 5 crore represents a solid auction for MI. Their bowling looks to have more to it compared to recent seasons, which should complement an incredible batting lineup nicely.
