Renowned cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has projected a lucrative market for Australian skipper Pat Cummins in the IPL 2024 auction, despite expressing reservations about the fast bowler’s performance in the tournament.
“Cummins might attract a hefty bid due to the recent prominence of Australian players in IPL. However, I anticipate a subdued IPL season for him. That’s my initial prediction,” Chopra stated on JioCinema’s sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI’.
Cummins, who led Australia to triumphs in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup, represented Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2022 but missed the 2023 season due to international commitments, setting his base price for the 2024 auction at INR 2 crores.
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Aakash Chopra on pacers
Chopra also expressed skepticism about Cummins’ teammate, left-arm pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, speculating that teams might hesitate due to Starc’s injury record, which has limited his IPL appearances since 2015. “Teams might consider spending Rs 10-12 crore on Starc if assured of his full commitment for IPL 2024. However, concerns arise due to his history of leaving the tournament midway or not participating at all,” Chopra added.
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Highlighting potential IPL prospects, Chopra believes South African pacer Gerald Coetzee will attract significant attention from franchises. “Despite being benched in South Africa’s recent match, Coetzee is primed for a million-dollar contract. Even if Starc misses out, Coetzee seems destined for a substantial deal.”
Chopra also identified key players likely to pique franchise interests in the auction. He mentioned uncapped all-rounder Shahrukh Khan, Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, and New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell.
“Punjab’s release of Shahrukh might spur a bidding war, potentially fetching him Rs 10-11 crore. Delhi Capitals might target him, seeking lower-order batting prowess,” Chopra analyzed. “Shardul’s Indian nationality and all-round abilities make him an attractive prospect. Additionally, Daryl Mitchell’s ability to handle spin might appeal to several teams requiring lower-order batting strength.”
-IANS
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