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The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction is set to unfold at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 19. A total of 333 cricketers, including 214 Indians, 119 overseas players, and two from associate nations, will be up for grabs.
Among them, 116 are capped players, and 215 are uncapped, vying for a maximum of 77 slots, with 30 allocated for overseas players. The player list features 23 with a base price of INR 2 crore and 13 with a base price of INR 1.5 crore. Gujarat Titans (GT), the 2022 champions, lead the purse race with INR 38.15 crore, while Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have the smallest purse at INR 13.15 crore.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s predictions unveiled
In a unique approach, India’s veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, through a video on Instagram, provided his predictions for the potential price ranges of notable players in the upcoming IPL auction. Utilizing cricketing shots as metaphors, he creatively envisioned the likely auction prices for these star players. His distinctive insights into the IPL auction scenario have captured attention, especially with his forecasts for key players, generating anticipation and interest ahead of the auction.
Ashwin’s price range according to shots:
- Defense: 2 -4 crores
- Drive: 4 to 7 crores
- Pull: 7 to 10 crores
- Slog: 10-14 crores
- Helicopter shot: 14+ crores
Shahrukh Khan and Rachin Ravindra in the limelight
The anticipated highlights of Ashwin’s IPL auction predictions feature Tamil Nadu batter Shahrukh Khan, foreseen to attract bids within the range of 10 to 14 crores. Additionally, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, symbolized by the metaphorical ‘cover drive,’ is expected to secure bids in the range of 4 to 7 crores.
Bowlers in the spotlight alongside Travis Head
Ashwin delved into the fortunes of bowlers, foreseeing Harshal Patel commanding a price between 7 to 10 crores. Rovman Powell and Gerald Coetzee found themselves in the 4 to 7 and 7 to 10 crore brackets, respectively. Notable surprises in Ashwin’s predictions featured Australian star Travis Head, likely to secure bids within the 2 to 4 crore range, and Indian pacer Umesh Yadav, projected to go for 4 to 7 crores. The 37-year-old off spinner further used ‘slog’ to represent Wanindu Hasaranga‘s price to be around 10-14 crores.
Also READ: Sanjay Manjrekar picks two teams which will fight for Mitchell Starc at the IPL 2024 Auction
Elite bidders – Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc
Ashwin’s crystal ball reserved the spotlight for Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Drawing parallels with the ‘Helicopter shot,’ Ashwin anticipated these elite bowlers commanding bids surpassing the staggering 14-crore mark, signaling potential big-money purchases.
Ashwin’s milestone and upcoming Test against South Africa
On a different front, Ashwin himself is on the brink of a significant milestone, approaching 500 wickets in Tests. The Indian stalwart will aim to achieve this feat during the upcoming two Tests in South Africa, where the action kicks off in Centurion on December 26, followed by the second Test in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.
