The cricketing buzz is back as the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have announced the retention of key players while strategizing for the upcoming mini auction scheduled on December 19. In a series of significant decisions, all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Cameron Green have emerged as the highlights in the pre-auction trades. Hardik Pandya, after captaining Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in their debut season and leading them to the finals the following year, has returned to Mumbai Indians, the team where his IPL journey began in 2015. While Pandya reinforced his allegiance through an all-cash deal, Cameron Green bid adieu to Mumbai Indians to don the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) jersey in the following season. The towering Australian all-rounder had joined the MI camp for a whopping Rs 17.5 crore just the previous season.
In light of Pandya’s departure, Gujarat Titans have handed over the reins to young prodigy Shubman Gill, entrusting him with the captaincy for IPL 2024. The franchises have each retained their core group of players while fine-tuning their squads in preparation for the auction.
Chennai Super Kings, synonymous with consistency, have retained their core team including veterans like MS Dhoni and key players such as Ravindra Jadeja and Ruturaj Gaikwad among others, lining up Rs 31.4 crore in their purse. Delhi Capitals, not far behind, flex a solid foundation of retained players like Rishabh Pant, David Warner, and Anrich Nortje, keeping Rs 28.95 crore handy for the upcoming auction.
Defending champions Gujarat Titans, despite trading Pandya, boast a strong set of retainers with the likes of David Miller, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Shami, with a sizable amount of Rs 38.15 crore available. Kolkata Knight Riders have invested in the likes of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, promising excitement, and carry Rs 32.7 crore.
Lucknow Super Giants have retained their captain KL Rahul along with key figures such as Marcus Stoinis and the talented Ayush Badoni, leaving themselves Rs 13.15 crore for further reinforcements. Mumbai Indians, aiming to rebuild under Rohit Sharma, will miss Pandya but have retained young guns like Ishan Kishan and Dewald Brevis, aligning Rs 17.75 crore in their war chest.
Punjab Kings, known for their aggressive auction strategies, have retained their faith in players like Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone, with Rs 29.1 crore in reserve. Rajasthan Royals have kept their core group intact, including Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler, and will enter the auction with Rs 14.5 crore.
RCB, looking to break their title jinx, have retained stalwarts Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and now Cameron Green, with an auction purse of Rs 23.25 crore. Lastly, Sunrisers Hyderabad, boasting young talents like Abdul Samad and Umran Malik alongside captain Aiden Markram, have a healthy war chest of Rs 34 crore.
The stage is set, the strategies are brewing, and the countdown has begun for yet another exhilarating season of the IPL where franchises will pit intellect and insights to compose the winning squad. Stay updated with the latest developments and gear up for the World Cup 2023 by following us on social media or downloading our cricket app for the latest insights and schedules.