Cricket commentator and former Indian player Aakash Chopra has given his opinion on which player might get the highest bid in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction.
While having a conversation at Jio Cinema, Aakash Chopra predicted his top five buys at the IPL 2024 auction set to be organized in Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, on Tuesday, December 19.
His first pick is the veteran Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc. Chopra had earlier predicted that the pacer would command a significant price in the auction.
“Teams may spend ₹10-12 crore on him provided they have already spoken to him and sought assurance that he will not leave the IPL 2024 mid-way. The only thing that goes against him is that he leaves the tournament mid-way or does not turn up at all,” Chopra said.
The second player in Aakash Chopra’s list is budding South African all-rounder Gerald Coetzee. The youngster is slowly rising through the ranks and establishing himself as one of the top all-rounders.
“South Africa didn’t play him in the last match, but I can guarantee that he’s set for a million-dollar contract. Even if Starc misses out, I feel Coetzee is assured of a large contract,” Chopra said.
The third player he picked is Shahrukh Khan to whom Punjab Kings have released before the IPL Auction.
“There’s something in this name! It’s going to be a blockbuster. Punjab released him and he may now end up fetching ₹10-11 crore. Delhi Capitals may go all out for him as I feel they don’t have anyone who can bat well lower down the order,” Chopra stated.
The fourth player on the list is Australian captain Pat Cummins who earlier played for Kolkata Knight Riders, but seeing his bowling and batting potential, a franchise would definitely need a batter like him.
“I am saying Pat Cummins because there’s a recency bias towards Australians. You see a lot of support staff from Australia. So just keep a watch on where all you have Australian coaches. It’s an early call, he will be sold for a lot of money, but his performance may not be that good in the IPL. That’s my early prediction,” Chopra added.
Fact Check: The Truth Behind The Viral Video Of Shakib Al Hasan’s Incident At Airport
His final two players are Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell.
“That’s because Shardul is an Indian fast bowler and an all-rounder. I’d also pick Daryl Mitchell as a lot of teams would require a batsman who can play spin lower down the order,” Chopra said.
