The retention of all ten clubs has been formally declared ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, which will take place next month in Dubai. While the trade season is still open and might offer a few more surprises, it is evident who will be available at the auction.
Most established IPL franchises have chosen to stick with their core. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for example, are anticipated to dress similarly to last year. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) elected to dismiss a significant portion of their squad while maintaining a starting XII without making any additions.
However, some teams participating in the IPL 2024 have noticeable weaknesses that they must address during the auction. Additionally, not all of these teams have a large budget to work with.
Following retentions in the run-up to the IPL 2024 auction, these are the three teams with the most deficiencies.
3. Punjab Kings
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have eight spots available and around 30 crore to invest. Only two of those eight are international positions. This implies that, after releasing Shahrukh Khan and Raj Angad Bawa, PBKS will need to locate homegrown talent of all types to fill their roster.
Rahul Chahar hasn’t been at his best in the IPL, thus Punjab needs to find a good leg-spinner. Arshdeep Singh’s form has dwindled, while Kagiso Rabada isn’t a consistent T20 bowler.
Without Shahrukh, PBKS may be without a finisher. Jitesh Sharma batted at No. 4 last season and may not be pushed down, while Liam Livingstone’s skills are best utilized in the top five.
Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan, and Prabhsimran Singh are all contending for the two starting berths for the Kings. Atharva Taide and Harpreet Bhatia are both top-order hitters, therefore there is no clarity on suitable roles.
With weaknesses in several departments after releasing Shahrukh and keeping players with comparable skill sets, PBKS face a difficult challenge in turning around their dismal IPL performances thus far.
2. Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals (DC) were disappointed with their performance in the 2023 season. As a result, they made significant changes to their roster, retaining only 16 players.
During the retentions, DC threw a few surprises. They let go of Rovman Powell, Phil Salt, and Rilee Rossouw, leaving them a little weak in terms of foreign batting. They are also lacking a finisher and strong middle-order hitters.
Furthermore, the Capitals lack a reliable death bowler. Anrich Nortje’s fitness is being scrutinized, and Mukesh Kumar is their best alternative. With Mustafizur Rahman no gone in the lineup, neither Khaleel Ahmed nor Ishant Sharma provide any death-bowling value.
DC has star power, but they don’t appear to be a full package at the time. And they have less than 30 crore in their bank account.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made significant changes before the upcoming IPL 2024 auction. Their team composition is still evolving, and at this point, it’s challenging to envision them fielding a competitive side.
Cameron Green has joined a talented group of batsmen at the top of the order, which includes Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. However, this means that one or more of their regular players will have to bat in unfamiliar positions. Additionally, the lower order currently lacks depth. Considering Dinesh Karthik’s poor performance in the previous season, RCB could once again rely heavily on their top-order batsmen and have a shortage of quality bowlers.
Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Harshal Patel are no longer in contention and may not be cheap in the auction, even if Bangalore attempts to repurchase them at a lower price. As things stand, RCB must locate a few excellent fast bowlers, a leg spinner, and middle-order hitters while spending roughly Rs. 23 crore.
