Xtra Time Web Desk: The much-anticipated IPL 2024 auction will be held in Dubai on Tuesday, December 19. It will be the first time in the history of the cash rich league that the auctions will be held outside India. As many as 333 shortlisted players will go under the hammer for a maximum of 77 slots. Out of these 333 players 215 are uncapped players. Let us take a look at 5 uncapped domestic players who may invite considerable interest from the franchises based on their performance in domestic cricket.
Shahrukh Khan (Tamil Nadu): Shahrukh Khan is no stranger to the IPL, having played for Punjab Kings in the last three seasons. Given his prowess as a hard-hitting batter the franchise brought him back for INR 9 crore in IPL 2022 auction after spending INR 5.25 crore in IPL 2021 auction. Despite investing heavily on Shahrukh, Punjab Kings management has not given him enough opportunities. In 33 matches over the last three seasons, the right-hander has managed just 426 runs at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 134.81. While his IPL stint with Punjab saw subdued performances, his success with Tamil Nadu, especially in white-ball formats, suggests he could ignite a bidding war at the IPL 2024 auction.
Kartik Tyagi (Uttar Pradesh): The talented fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh will be another uncapped player to watch out for at the IPL 2024 auction. Tyagi had previous stints with IPL franchises Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Hyderabad franchise only played him for 5 matches across two seasons despite spending INR 4 crore on him in IPL 2022 auction. The 23-year-old pacer will be desperate to put up a good show if he is picked by any franchise. Tyagi’s ability to move the ball both ways make the quick bowler a key target at the upcoming auction.
Arshin Kulkarni (Maharashtra): The youngster from Maharashtra has earned a reputation of being a big-hitter and a useful seamer. He is set to make a mark at the upcoming U19 World Cup in South Africa. Demonstrating his T20 potential in the Maharashtra Premier League with a scintillating century for Eagle Nashik Titans, Arshin recently made his debut for Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Ruturaj Gaikwad recommended him for a trial with Chennai Super Kings, but his commitment to the India Under-19s camp took precedence. Kulkarni’s seam-up bowling skills have garnered interest, with Punjab Kings reportedly keen on acquiring him.
Musheer Khan (Mumbai): Young Musheer Khan has already attracted eye-balls in the domestic cricket circuit. Musheer, who is also the brother of Sarfaraz Khan is a handy left-arm spin bowling all-rounder who bats in the middle order. He is only one of two players with first-class experience in the India Under-19 squad for the upcoming U19 World Cup in South Africa in January. Don’t be surprised if Musheer draws big purse at the IPL 2024 auction.
Vivrant Sharma (Jammu & Kashmir): The left-hand batter made the headlines after being bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. 2.20 crore during the IPL 2023 auction after a bidding war with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The 24-year-old from Jammu scored a fifty in his only innings in the 2023 edition of the IPL, finishing on 69 off 47 balls. The southpaw scored an impressive 144 against Mizoram followed by a fighting 83 against Uttarakhand during the recently concluded Vijay Hazare trophy. With the added ability to consistently bowl wrist spin, teams will be eyeing the all-rounder in the upcoming auction.