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As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, all eyes are on Dubai, where the bidding war is set to unfold on December 19th.
Race for pace: Frantic bidding expected for speedsters
In this edition, franchises are poised for a fierce competition, and the battleground is the quest for pace. With many teams eyeing fast-bowling firepower to bolster their arsenals, a bidding war over speedsters is on the horizon. The stakes are high as teams strategically vie for the crucial asset that can potentially tilt the balance in their favor in the fast-paced drama of T20 cricket.
5 Pacers who could spark a bidding war in the IPL 2024 Auction
1. Josh Hazlewood: The precision pacer (Base Price: INR 2 crore)
Josh Hazlewood, the Australian speedster, brings a lethal combination of accuracy and pace to the bowling attack. With a remarkable control over the ball and the ability to generate consistent bounce, Hazlewood is a genuine wicket-taker. Franchises seeking a reliable new-ball bowler with the knack of breaking partnerships could find Hazlewood an invaluable asset. His experience and control make him a potent force in all formats, providing the team with a genuine strike bowler.
2. Alzarri Joseph: The West Indies firebrand ( Base Price: INR 1 crore)
Alzarri Joseph, hailing from the West Indies, is a firebrand pacer known for his express pace and ability to surprise batters with steep bounce. Having gained valuable experience in T20 leagues worldwide, Joseph is a hot commodity in the fast-bowling department. His knack for picking crucial wickets in the powerplay and death overs makes him an attractive option for franchises looking to bolster their pace arsenal.
3. Mitchell Starc: The left-arm thunderbolt (Base Price: INR 2 crore)
Mitchell Starc, the left-arm thunderbolt from Australia, is a proven match-winner with the ability to swing the new ball and unleash deadly yorkers at the death. Starc’s presence in a franchise adds a genuine X-factor, capable of turning the tide with early breakthroughs and finishing skills. His track record in T20 cricket, coupled with World Cup-winning experience, makes him an enticing prospect for teams in need of a premium fast bowler.
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4. Lockie Ferguson: The express New Zealand speedster (Base Price: INR 2 crore)
Lockie Ferguson, the express Kiwi pacer, is synonymous with raw pace and hostility. Known for consistently breaching the 150 km/h mark, Ferguson brings an intimidating factor to the bowling attack. His ability to deliver yorkers at high speed and generate steep bounce makes him a nightmare for batters. Franchises aiming to inject sheer pace and aggression into their pace battery could find Ferguson an ideal candidate.
5. Umesh Yadav: The Indian fast bowling workhorse (Base Price: INR 2 crore)
Umesh Yadav, the Indian fast bowling workhorse, combines raw pace with the ability to extract bounce on subcontinent pitches. With a wealth of experience in domestic and international cricket, Yadav brings a homegrown element to any IPL franchise. His knack for providing breakthroughs in crucial junctures and maintaining pressure on the opposition makes him an appealing choice for teams aiming to strengthen their Indian fast bowling contingent.
