Reeza Hendricks, a seasoned campaigner in South African cricket, seems to have hit his stride on the international stage, particularly in T20I cricket. With a current purple patch in his form, Hendricks’ explosive and unpredictable batting style, especially at the top of the order, positions him as a formidable threat in the shortest format of the game.
His recent standout performance against India, where he scored a quickfire 49 runs off 27 balls, has undoubtedly captured the attention of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. As the 34-year-old enters the upcoming auction, with the base price of Rs 50 lakhs, in Dubai on December 19, several teams will be vying to secure his services. Here’s a detailed look at the five franchises likely to aggressively pursue Hendricks in the IPL 2024 auction.
5 teams who could bid for Reeza Hendricks in the IPL 2024 auction:
1. Mumbai Indians (MI):
- Mumbai Indians might target Reeza Hendricks to strengthen their top-order batting. With Ishan Kishan being not in the best of his form, Hendricks could provide valuable stability at the opening position for MI alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. His ability to score quickly aligns with MI’s aggressive batting ethos, making him an attractive prospect for the defending champions.
2. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):
- RCB, perennial contenders, could eye Hendricks to bolster their batting lineup. Given his recent T20 exploits and the team’s historical reliance on explosive openers, Hendricks might find a suitable role alongside or as a backup to established stars like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell. His experience could add depth to RCB’s batting unit.
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
- CSK, known for their seasoned squad, might see Hendricks as a valuable addition to their top-order artillery. His aggressive style aligns with the CSK philosophy, and he could be a dynamic presence at the top.
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4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
- KKR, a franchise that often values explosive openers, may target Hendricks to fortify their batting resources. Hendricks’ recent performances and his ability to take on bowlers from the outset could complement KKR’s aggressive approach. His inclusion could provide KKR with an additional match-winner at the top of the order.
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR):
- RR might set their sights on Hendricks to add depth to their batting lineup. His aggressive approach aligns with the RR style of play, and he could be a suitable partner for players like Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson. RR might see Hendricks as a player who can provide quick starts and capitalize on powerplays.
In summary, Hendricks’ recent form and explosive style make him an enticing prospect for several IPL franchises, and the upcoming auction is likely to witness intense bidding wars for his services.
