As the anticipation builds for the IPL 2024 auction, slated to be held in Dubai on December 19, 2023, franchises are gearing up for a bidding war that goes beyond the pursuit of star players. A closer look reveals that there are compelling reasons why franchises are steadfastly focusing on acquiring Indian players during the auction.
IPL 2024 Auction: 3 Reasons Why Indian Players Will Be In High Demand
1. Home Advantage: Winning Matches on Familiar Turf
The first and foremost reason driving franchises to seek Indian players lies in the inherent advantage of having players who are accustomed to the conditions of Indian pitches. The IPL, being a premier cricket league hosted in India, witnesses a variety of pitches with unique characteristics. Local Indian players, well-versed with the nuances of these pitches, possess a distinct advantage in adapting their gameplay to the ever-changing conditions. Franchises recognize the pivotal role that homegrown talents can play in clinching victories, making them indispensable assets for the upcoming season.
2. Beyond Profit: Developing Future Prospects for Team India
While the IPL undoubtedly serves as a lucrative business platform, franchises are cognizant of the broader responsibility they bear in nurturing and scouting future talents for the Indian national team. The league is not merely a money-making venture; it acts as a breeding ground for grooming cricketers who can contribute to India’s success on the international stage. Franchises understand the dual role they play in shaping the destiny of Indian cricket – both at the IPL and international levels. Consequently, their focus on Indian players extends beyond immediate gains, encompassing the development and enrichment of the cricketing talent pool in the country.
3. Strategic Squad Composition: The Overseas Player Quandary
A critical factor driving franchises towards Indian players in the auction is the playing XI composition. IPL regulations dictate that only four overseas players can be part of the playing XI. This limitation propels franchises to strategically invest in talented Indian players to fill the remaining seven slots. The demand for local talent becomes not just a preference but a necessity, as franchises aim to strike a balance between international star power and homegrown stability. This strategic approach ensures that teams maintain a cohesive and well-balanced playing squad, making Indian players perennially sought-after assets in the IPL auction.
Indian Players who will be in auction pool in IPL 2024 Auction
Harshal Patel, Kedar Jadhav, Shardul Thakur, and Umesh Yadav will be available at a base price of Rs. 2 crore.
Varun Aaron, KS Bharat, Siddarth Kaul, Dhawal Kulkarni, Shivam Mavi, Shahbaz Nadeem, Karun Nair, Manish Pandey, Chetan Sakariya, Mandeep Singh, Barinder Sran, Jaydev Unadkat, Hanuma Vihari, and Sandeep Warrier have set their base price at 50 lakhs.
