A look at the top uncapped players who may end up striking it rich when the IPL 2024 auction is held next week in Dubai.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has over the years unearthed talented uncut gems who have become some of the brightest stars after graduating to the international level. Not only has the T20 league given the players a massive platform to showcase their skills to a wider audience around the globe but also turned them into millionaires.
With another IPL 2024 auction approaching, a host of talented uncapped India stars will be praying to land a contract with one of the 10 franchises on the lookout to shore up their roster ahead of the next season.
We take a look at the 10 uncapped India players who may end up hitting the pay dirt at the auction this time around
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Shahrukh Khan
Having made his name for finishing matches, Shahrukh Khan landed a cool Rs 5.25 crore deal with Punjab Kings after the franchise bought him at the IPL 2021 auction. However, he was released by PBKS after three seasons with Shahrukh either not being able to meet their hopes or not getting enough time to show what he’s capable of. He did bat at a strike-rate of 165.96 during the last season for his 156 runs from 14 matches though.
Kartik Tyagi
The young right-arm fast bowler came into the limelight following his exploits at the U-19 World Cup in 2020 where he finished with 11 wickets taking India to the final. He has played for Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past. Control has been an issue with the youngster but he certainly can bowl at quick pace in addition to getting the ball to move both ways.
Hrithik Shokeen
The young spinner made his IPL debut last year after being bought by five-time champions Mumbai Indians. His numbers – five wickets in 13 matches spread across two seasons – aren’t that striking and give an indication he didn’t impress enough to merit a consistent run. He bowls offspin, can bat and is a fine fielder too. He’s just 23 and the offspinner will be available at his base price of Rs 20 lakh making him an attractive talent that can be honed keeping the future in mind.
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Ravi Teja
The Hyderabad allrounder finished as the top wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023. He took 19 wickets at an average of 10.10 and an economy of 7.11. At the Dhaka Premier League (one-day tournament) earlier this year, he showed his batting chops by scoring 508 runs from 11 innings. The 29-year-old could be a good option for teams searching for a reliable pacer who can be a handy batter when needed.
Ashutosh Sharma
At the SMAT 2023, Ashutosh mainly batted for the Railways in the lower middle order and aced the role of a finisher. He scored 183 runs in six innings at an excellent strike-rate of 277.27. The cherry on the cake was his blistering half-century – 53 off 12 – against Andhra. Teams would have their eyes set on the 25-year-old for the role of an explosive finisher.
Atit Sheth
The Baroda allrounder had a memorable SMAT earlier this year where he finished as the joint-second highest wicket taker with 18 scalps from nine matches. He averaged 14.27 and had an economy of 7.55. Teams with low salary cap can target him. Sheth is also known for his big hits and an example of it came during the 2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy when he smacked an unbeaten 51 off just 16 deliveries.
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Swastik Chikara
At the UP T20 League, 18-year-old Chikara turned heads with three centuries and two half-centuries from nine matches earlier this year. He scored closed to 500 runs at 70.57 and a strike rate of over 170. Thanks to his exploits, trials with various franchises followed and on his Vijay Hazare Trophy debut, the young batting sensation scored 117 off 101. He surely will be one of the uncapped batters to watch out for at the auction.
Sameer Rizvi
Another young batting star who came into the limelight through UP T20 League earlier this year. He scored 455 runs with the help of two centuries and a fifty, finishing as the third highest run-getter. He struck the fastest century of the tournament (off 47 deliveries) and continued his form during an U-23 one-day tournament helping Uttar Pradesh to the title win. He reportedly was called for trials by several IPL franchises but thanks to his commitment with the state team, had to give them a skip. Interestingly, Sameer made his Ranji Trophy debut back in 2020 when he was just 16.
Vivrant Sharma
The 24-year-old Jammu batter was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad during the last auction but he didn’t get enough chances during the season. He played just three matches but got to bat in one of them. Vivrant though didn’t waste that rare opportunity, hitting a quickfire 47-ball 69 against Mumbai Indians. SRH though released him into the auction pool. Known for finishing ability, he should be on the radar of several teams.
Kumar Kushagra
Kushagra hit the headlines last year when he belted 266 runs during a Ranji Trophy match for Jharkhand and thus became the youngest ever to score a 250 in the tournament. Earlier this year during the Vijay Hazare Trophy (one-day tournament), he blasted an unbeaten 67 off 37 while batting at no. 6 to help Jharkhand complete a successful chase of 355 vs Maharashtra. The 19-year-old will be on the shopping list of franchises in hunt for an Indian wicketkeeper-batter.
