As we approach the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction scheduled for December 19, the cricketing fraternity is buzzing with speculations and strategic maneuvering by franchises. As of Deadline Day, here’s what we know about the team-wise list of players who have been retained, released, or involved in trades. It is crucial to remember that changes are still possible, with the trading window remaining open until December 12, 2023.
The Mumbai Indians have bid farewell to a significant number of players, including Arshad Khan, Ramandeep Singh, and international stars like Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan. However, the iconic Mumbai outfit has retained a robust core with Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, and the express pace of Jasprit Bumrah. Notably, they’ve secured the services of all-rounder Romario Shepherd through a trade with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Over at the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp, the purge includes Wanindu Hasaranga and Harshal Patel. Yet, the fan-favorites like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers remain, ensuring the RCB’s star power endures. The franchise also welcomed Mayank Dagar from Sunrisers Hyderabad, adding to their spin arsenal.
The Kolkata Knight Riders have let go of seasoned professionals such as Shakib Al Hasan and Lockie Ferguson. They have, however, kept faith in their captain Shreyas Iyer and the imposing Andre Russell, suggesting a strategy that remains invested in their core group for consistent performance.
Gujarat Titans made some surprising releases including Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph. While refining their squad, they have held on tight to their captain Hardik Pandya and the formidable Rashid Khan, ensuring their championship-caliber team remains intact.
Chennai Super Kings, synonymous with their talismanic leader MS Dhoni, released international stars like Ben Stokes but have kept vital cogs such as Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Their squad boasts a blend of youth and experience to uphold their reputation as one of the tournament’s most successful franchises.
Sunrisers Hyderabad waved goodbye to Harry Brook and Akeal Hosein, among others, while Markram and the pace battery led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar will continue to don the orange. SRH’s trade brought in Shahbaz Ahmed from RCB, indicating a focus on strengthening their all-round options.
Punjab Kings parted ways with Shahrukh Khan and Raj Bawa but have retained their top-order lynchpin Shikhar Dhawan and the South African speedster Kagiso Rabada. Punjab’s tactics indicate a clear intention to build upon their explosive batting line-up and a formidable pace attack.
Lucknow Super Giants let go of players including Daniel Sams and the traded Romario Shepherd. Yet, the top-order battalion featuring KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock stays untouched. LSG seems to prioritize a strong start in the powerplay overs with their hard-hitting openers.
Rajasthan Royals, on releasing players like Murugan Ashwin, has made strategic retentions such as their skipper Sanju Samson and the spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal. They also bolstered their pace attack by trading for Avesh Khan from LSG, indicating a balanced approach to both batting and bowling departments.
Delhi Capitals have let go of Rilee Rossouw and several others, but the squad remains robust with Rishabh Pant at the helm. By retaining the likes of David Warner and Axar Patel, DC maintains a strong core capable of challenging for the title once again.
While the rosters are taking shape, franchises still have the chance to re-strategize and bolster their playing squads in the lead-up to the auction. With some notable releases and retentions, the teams are clearly striving for the perfect balance and composition to compete in the next season of the IPL. The forthcoming auction promises to be an intriguing event, potentially full of surprises and key acquisitions that will set the tone for IPL 2024.