Unveiling the Top 5 Pre-IPL 2024 Auction Releases
As we approach the IPL 2024 Auctions, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this highly awaited moment in the cricketing calendar. The players' bidding for the IPL 2024 Auction will occur on December 19, 2023. Excitingly, the player pool will witness some thrilling new additions, and a few more significant names are expected to join the Auctions following the announcement of retention.
All ten IPL franchises have revealed their retentions, signalling the start of another season in the Indian Premier League 2024, the biggest franchise cricket league. This season brings about a significant turnaround of events, with surprises unfolding on both fronts, whether in the retentions or the releases.
Take a glance at the top 5 IPL release players who fetched substantial amounts of money.
1. Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings)
In the IPL Auctions, Ben Stokes, recognized as one of the greatest players in modern cricket, consistently ranks among the top acquisitions. Rising Pune Super Giants secured his services for a substantial amount of 14.50 crores, marking him as the most expensive purchase of the 2017 Auctions when he made his IPL debut that year.
Throughout his IPL journey spanning 45 games, the English left-hander has amassed 935 runs, featuring two centuries and two half-centuries. With a few exceptions in the initial seasons, Stokes faced relatively subdued performances and dealt with several injuries, preventing him from participating in every game. Upon his return to the IPL last year, CSK exhibited a strong interest in the all-rounder, securing his services for a substantial sum of 16.25 crores.
Playing only two games, he had to discontinue due to an injury. Given his decision to opt out of the upcoming season, Chennai is reluctant to invest a substantial amount in a player who won't be available, leading to his release.
2. Harry Brook (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Young Harry Brook, who impressed the cricket fraternity with his dynamic performances in red-ball and the shortest format, entered the IPL stage during the 2023 season and emerged as one of the top acquisitions. Sunrisers Hyderabad, in search of a powerful batsman, secured Harry for a substantial sum of 13.25 crores.
Harry Brook fell short of meeting the franchise and Orange Army fans' expectations in his first season. Despite participating in 11 games, he scored only 190 runs with a disappointing average of 21. Struggling notably against spinning conditions, he had a debut season to forget.
During one of the games, Brook achieved a century, but he couldn't sustain that form. Consequently, Hyderabad chose to release him, and he didn't secure retention for the upcoming season.
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3. Wanindu Hasaranga (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Royal Challengers Bangalore made a bold move by investing heavily in Wanindu Hasaranga, making him the highest-paid Sri Lankan player. With his knack for hitting boundaries, RCB opted for the foreign spinner, relying on him for multiple seasons and even choosing him over their former spinner, Chahal. During the mega Auctions in 2022, RCB allocated 10.75 crores to secure the services of the Sri Lankan spinner.
Debuting in IPL 2021 as a replacement for Adam Zampa, he showcased his skills and earned a lucrative contract for the following year. In IPL 2022, he stood out as the second-highest wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 26 wickets. However, this year, his performance suffered, and due to injury, he could only participate in eight games.
Currently sidelined with an injury, Hasaranga also sat out the entire World Cup 2023. Taking into account his availability, performances, and the financial aspects, RCB opted to release him for the upcoming season.
4. Harshal Patel (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Harshal Patel rejuvenated his cricketing career by showcasing proficiency in bowling slower balls. Since debuting for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, he participated in every season except for the 2013 season. However, he played matches sporadically as no team granted him the opportunity to feature in all the games.
RCB acquired him again for the IPL 2021, marking a turning point in his career. The right-arm seamer achieved a remarkable feat by claiming 32 wickets in a single season, matching DJ Bravo's record. Although RCB had to release him for the mega Auctions in 2022, there was certainty that they would secure his services in the auctions.
Based on his outstanding performance in the previous season, Harshal Patel secured a substantial contract of 10.75 crores for the IPL 2022. However, given his less impressive performances in the two preceding seasons, the high amount proved to be excessive, leading to his release for the upcoming season.
5. Shardul Thakur (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Shardul Thakur, the right-arm fast bowling all-rounder, excelled during his tenure with the Chennai Super Kings under a modest deal of just 20 lakhs. However, Chennai had to release him for the mega Auctions in 2022, leading to a significant transformation as the Delhi Capitals secured him for a whopping 10.75 crores ($1.433 million) for the IPL 2022, turning him into a millionaire.
In the following season, Kolkata Knight Riders made an all-cash deal to acquire Shardul Thakur, but it proved to be a hefty investment for the Knights. Thakur's performance was subpar, as he secured only seven wickets in 11 games and scored 113 runs.
Before the IPL 2024 Auctions, KKR has chosen to release him, deeming 10.75 crores a significant amount given his recent performances.
Conclusion -
In anticipation of the IPL 2024 Auctions, exploring the Top 5 Pre-Auction Releases unveils strategic team decisions. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the auction drama, stay ahead with real-time updates using the Fast Live Line app and website. Elevate your cricket experience with Live Line Guru insights and stay informed about the IPL 2024 Auction players list. With the Cricket Live Line, witness the excitement unfold, keeping you connected to the pulse of every thrilling moment in the cricketing world. Don't miss out – experience the game like never before!
