IPL Auction 2024 | The franchises’ wishlist

Explore what each franchise will wish for at the IPL auction, from Chennai Super Kings to Punjab Kings.

When the think-tanks huddle up for the auction, a look at what each franchise will wish for.

Chennai Super Kings: The defending champion’s starting XI, except retired Ambati Rayudu, is already in place. But CSK, with its sizeable purse, may end up playing spoilsport for a couple of other franchises. The franchise will be keen on having strong back-ups in place for injury-prone Matheesha Pathirana and Moeen Ali. Not to mention a quest for a finisher once ‘Thala’ Dhoni hangs up his boots. Is Shahrukh Khan calling?

Mumbai Indians: The franchise has been the talk of the town ever since the team balance has got a huge fillip with Hardik Pandya’s homecoming. But it will have a limited budget to add a quality pacer to reduce the pressure on Jasprit Bumrah.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Having released 12 players, including six speedsters, KKR could be the busiest table at the auction. Besides adding to the pace battery, the franchise will also be hoping for a reliable backup wicketkeeper to Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Rajasthan Royals: Kumar Sangakkara and his think-tank will have their eyes set on two big catches: a reliable middle-order bat and an all-rounder. One of them can be an overseas buy. But with a tight purse, it will be interesting to see who it will opt for.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Despite finishing at the bottom of the points table last season, SRH has retained its core. It will be eyeing an explosive opener and a quality pacer who can combine effectively with veteran Bhuvneswhar Kumar.

Gujarat Titans: Following Hardik’s departure, it’s a given that the 2022 champion will target a big-ticket all-rounder to maintain the balance of the team, . Who will it be? In fact, the ball will be in Titans’ court, considering it has the largest purse available. Besides the all-rounder, it will also be on the hunt for an overseas pacer to partner Mohammed Shami.