As the 2024 IPL auction in Dubai approaches, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the emergence of young talents in the league. Here are the five youngest players to watch out for in the auction:
1. Rehan Ahmed (19 years old):
- England’s 19-year-old leg-spinner, Rehan Ahmed, enters the auction with a reserved price of INR 50 lakh.
- Known for his bowling prowess in the 2023 Hundred competition, where he secured nine wickets in nine games at an impressive economy of 6.96.
- With the potential to utilize his leg-break bowling skills, Ahmed could be a valuable addition, especially in India’s turning tracks.
2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (22 years old):
- Afghanistan’s spin-bowling stalwart, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, aims for an IPL comeback after three years.
- Mujeeb made a memorable debut in 2018, claiming 14 wickets in 11 games for Punjab Kings at a thrifty economy of 6.99.
- Enrolled in the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore, his recent form will be crucial as franchises may approach cautiously.
3. Gerald Coetzee (23 years old):
- South African pacer Gerald Coetzee emerged as the leading wicket-taker for Proteas in the 2023 World Cup, securing 20 wickets in eight games.
- Representing Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 League, Coetzee’s extraordinary performance included 17 wickets in nine contests at an economy of 8.07.
- With a base price of INR 2 crore, his talent and recent success make him a promising prospect in the auction.
4. Rachin Ravindra (24 years old):
- New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra showcased remarkable batting skills in the 2023 World Cup, accumulating 578 runs with three centuries and two fifties.
- Despite limited T20I experience (18 matches, 145 runs), his standout World Cup performance positions him as an intriguing player with a base price of INR 50 lakh.
5. Harry Brook (24 years old):
- England’s Harry Brook, previously with Sunrisers Hyderabad, enters the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore.
- Despite a challenging IPL 2023, where he scored 190 runs in 11 matches, Brook’s T20I numbers (500 runs in 26 matches) and impressive performance in the 2023 Hundred competition make him a player to watch.
As the franchises gear up for the auction, these young talents may attract significant attention and investment as potential game-changers in the upcoming IPL season.