In a shocking flip of occasions through the latest Indian Premier League (IPL) retention day, the launched gamers’ record featured some surprising names, leaving followers and specialists speculating on the upcoming auctions. Notable omissions included stars like Sam Curran and Harry Brook, who weren’t retained by their respective franchises.
Franchise launch dynamics
A complete of 89 gamers had been launched forward of the IPL 2024 public sale, with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) main the way in which in parting methods with gamers. In distinction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) opted for a minimalistic method, retaining all gamers besides 5, amongst them being the promising batter Shahrukh Khan.
Shahrukh Khan’s rollercoaster trip
Shahrukh, a proficient all-rounder, was acquired by PBKS for INR 9 crores within the IPL 2022 mega-auction. Regardless of excessive expectations, his on-field efficiency did not match the anticipation. With modest scores of 117 and 156 runs within the 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively, Shahrukh struggled to make a major influence, missing a half-century to his title.
Ravichandran Ashwin supplies his perception
Opposite to Shahrukh’s latest struggles, senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin predicts a fierce bidding struggle for the power-hitter within the upcoming public sale. Ashwin identifies Gujarat Titans (GT) as a possible suitor for Shahrukh, given their latest launch of Hardik Pandya, leaving a void of their lineup that Shahrukh might probably fill.
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Ashwin anticipates a bidding showdown between Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) and Gujarat, estimating Shahrukh’s worth to achieve INR 12-13 crores. He believes that CSK, having proven curiosity in Shahrukh through the mega-auction, could prioritize securing the native expertise over different high-profile gamers.
“I can definitely see a war between CSK and Gujarat for Shahrukh Khan. Gujarat have let go of Hardik Pandya, Gujarat needs a player who can finish the innings, a sort of power player. And they need a power player. Shahrukh was at ₹9 crore At Kings, and I though he showed his skills pretty well. Is it a decent release? Because I think he might end up going for ₹12-13 crore again,” Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel.
CSK’s strategic transfer
Ashwin advised that CSK’s earlier curiosity in Shahrukh might cause them to make a strategic choice through the IPL 2024 public sale. He speculated that CSK is likely to be prepared to forgo the prospect of buying Mitchell Starc to safe the providers of Shahrukh, recognizing the necessity for an area participant and a robust Indian presence of their squad.
“CSK might even take a chance of missing out on Mitchell Starc to get Shahrukh Khan because they don’t have a local player or a presence. They went for Shahrukh Khan in the mega auction, and that’s why I’m guessing so,” added Ashwin.