The IPL 2024 auction, which unfolded in Dubai on Tuesday, witnessed intense bidding wars as over 300 players went under the hammer. Among the key highlights were Australian stars Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc securing multi-million-dollar deals, with Cummins fetching INR 20.50 crore with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Starc signing a lucrative contract with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 24.75 crore.
Franchises displayed financial prowess by splurging on both domestic and international talents, resulting in a record-breaking auction. Harshal Patel emerged as the highest-earning Indian player, securing a notable INR 11.75 crore deal with Punjab Kings (PBKS). Uncapped prodigy Sameer Rizvi made waves with an impressive INR 8.40 crore contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while Shahrukh Khan became the prized acquisition for Gujarat Titans (GT) at INR 7.40 crore.
Despite the fervor of the auction, a considerable number of cricketers found themselves without a buyer. Nonetheless, these unsold players collectively form a formidable XI capable of rivaling any team in the tournament.
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Best playing XI of unsold players:
Talented openers:
Phil Salt: Renowned for his aggressive style of play, Phil Salt is a dynamic opener known for providing quick starts. With a mix of conventional shots and innovative stroke play, Salt has the potential to set the stage for electrifying batting performances. Having played for Delhi Capitals (DC), Salt boasts 218 runs in 9 IPL games.
Manan Vohra: A seasoned batter with stylish strokes, Manan Vohra adds stability to the top order. With 56 IPL games under his belt, Vohra has accumulated 1083 runs, showcasing his ability to anchor innings.
Strong middle-order:
Steve Smith: A cricketing luminary, Steve Smith’s unorthodox yet effective batting technique stabilizes the middle order. With 103 IPL games and 2485 runs, Smith’s leadership and stability make him a pivotal player.
Josh Inglis (wk): A proficient wicketkeeper-batter, Josh Inglis provides depth to the batting lineup while ensuring stability behind the stumps. Despite not playing an IPL game yet, Inglis boasts a T20I century and provides versatility.
Sarfaraz Khan: Known for his innovative stroke play, Sarfaraz Khan adds flair to the middle order. With 50 IPL games and 585 runs, he brings experience and an unconventional approach to the team.
Dynamic all-rounders:
Michael Bracewell: A seasoned all-rounder, Michael Bracewell’s elegant stroke play and spin bowling make him a well-rounded player. In 5 IPL games, he has scored 58 runs and taken 6 wickets.
James Neesham: Known for explosive power-hitting and effective seam bowling, James Neesham adds a dynamic dimension to the XI. With 14 IPL games, Neesham has scored 92 runs and taken 8 wickets.
Odean Smith: A talented Caribbean all-rounder, Odean Smith combines power-hitting with the ability to contribute with both bat and ball. In 6 IPL games, Smith has scored 51 runs and taken 6 wickets.
Energetic bowling attack:
Josh Hazlewood: In the pace department, Josh Hazlewood brings international experience and precision. With 27 IPL matches and 35 wickets, Hazlewood is a potent force with the new ball and in the death overs.
Tabraiz Shamsi: The South African spin wizard Tabraiz Shamsi adds variety with his deceptive left-arm wrist spin. Despite limited opportunities in IPL, Shamsi’s talents make him a valuable asset.
Adam Milne: Completing the pace trio, Adam Milne brings express pace to the XI. With 10 IPL games and 7 wickets, Milne adds a threatening dimension to the bowling lineup.
This unsold players XI presents a formidable combination of experience, skill, and versatility, showcasing the depth of talent even beyond the auctioned players.
