The IPL 2024 auction witnessed intense bidding wars between franchises for talented uncapped Indian cricketers. Several youngsters ended up securing massive million-dollar contracts despite not having played for the country yet.
Teams focused heavily on unearthing the next generation of Indian talent that could serve them for years to come. Let’s look at some of the top uncapped earners who hit paydirt at the auction.
Shubham Dubey Banks Massive Deal with Rajasthan Royals
- Purchase Price: INR 5.8 Crores
- Previous IPL Experience: None
Hard-hitting southpaw Shubham Dubey was the top uncapped buy at this year’s auction, purchased for INR 5.8 crores by Rajasthan Royals.
- Known for his six-hitting prowess and attacking batting
- Experience of 20 domestic T20 matches since 2021
- Impressive strike rate of 145 in T20 career
Dubey first came into prominence earlier this year when he smashed a quickfire 58 off 35 balls to help Vidarbha pull off the highest successful run chase ever in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy domestic T20 tournament.
- Helped Vidarbha gun down 207 runs versus Bengal
- Showcased his finishing abilities under pressure
In this season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the 29-year old Dubey notched up 225 runs at a blistering strike rate of 187.28, enhancing his reputation as an impact batsman.
Rajasthan Royals outbid the likes of Delhi Capitals because they believe Dubey can provide tremendous value with his no-holds-barred batting approach.
Sameer Rizvi Hits Jackpot with Chennai Super Kings
- Purchase Price: INR 8.4 Crores
- Previous IPL Experience: None
Chennai Super Kings pulled off a coup at the auction by snaring rising UP batsman Sameer Rizvi for INR 8.4 crores. The 20-year old was at the heart of an intense three-way tussle for his services.
Though only 11 domestic T20 matches old so far, Rizvi shot into the limelight with his performance at this season’s UP T20 League.
- Top run scorer in the tournament
- Smashed the fastest century of the league in just 39 balls
His clean hitting and ability to push the scoring rate has already excited many fans. To back their faith in the youngster’s prowess, CSK went all out to secure his services amid high demand.
- Outbid Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans
- Long-term future prospect for Super Kings
Rizvi now gets the opportunity to rub shoulders with modern-day greats like MS Dhoni during his development phase. Given CSK’s outstanding record in nurturing young talents, Rizvi’s cricket growth could really skyrocket in the years to come.
Kumar Kushagra Hits Paydirt with Delhi Capitals
- Purchase Price: INR 7.2 Crores
- Previous IPL Experience: None
Dynamic 20-year old batsman-keeper Kumar Kushagra also hit paydirt by raking in INR 7.2 crores from Delhi Capitals amid high drama. His bidding amount indicates the level of interest that exists in the cricketing world to secure the services of the highly-rated match-winner.
Though Kushagra did not have the most prolific domestic season this year statistically, he has shown enough glimpses of his rare talent and versatility.
- Match-winning abilities across formats
- Explosive batting and clever ball-striking
- Adaptive gameplay in various situations
Kushagra first burst into prominence when he smashed the fastest fifty ever in the U-19 Challenger Trophy domestic tournament a few years ago. Since then, he has graduated to the senior level but injuries have hampered his progress a bit.
Delhi Capitals clearly outbid teams like MI and GT for the 20-year old because they see high upside in him for the future.
Sushant Mishra Surprises with Lucrative Titans Deal
- Purchase Price: INR 2.2 Crores
- Previous IPL Experience: None
Unheralded pacer Sushant Mishra raised eyebrows by landing a INR 2.2 crore contract with Gujarat Titans amid bidding interest from Mumbai Indians.
The 22-year old fast bowler has battled injuries in the past but has shown glimpses of his prowess when available.
- Swing, seam and sheer pace make him a tricky customer
- Grabbed attention with a 4-wicket haul versus Vidarbha
Given captain Hardik Pandya‘s renowned man-management skills, Mishra has the opportunity to realize his immense potential under an environment tailormade for it. He will join the likes of Lockie Ferguson and Mohammed Shami to give Titans plenty of bowling ammunition this season.
Conclusion
The IPL 2024 auction saw several talented yet uncapped Indian cricketers get rewarded with massive paydays through intense bidding wars.
Franchises focused heavily on youth and potential, with the likes of Shubham Dubey, Sameer Rizvi, Kumar Kushagra and Sushant Mishra hitting eventual jackpots. Their teams will now hope these promising talents can translate such spectacular form onto the IPL stage as well.
If some of them manage to blossom into future Indian stars, it could prove to be a watershed auction for the league. Exciting times ahead!