3 teams that could have tried harder for Chetan Sakariya in the IPL 2024 auction

Chetan Sakariya, the promising Indian fast bowler, found a new home in the 2024 IPL auction as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services for Rs 50 lakh. Despite having a base price equal to the winning bid, Sakariya initially went unsold before KKR stepped in to add him to their roster. 

The young talent had previously been part of Delhi Capitals for two IPL seasons but was released ahead of the 2024 auction after an unremarkable performance in IPL 2023. Gautam Gambhir, leading KKR, secured Sakariya's services, anticipating the young bowler to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. 

It's worth noting that Sakariya made his IPL debut with Rajasthan Royals in 2021, amassing 19 matches and claiming 20 wickets. His best bowling figures include a notable 3 wickets for 31 runs. While he has represented Team India in three matches, capturing three wickets, Sakariya is eager to showcase his talent and contribute to KKR's success in the upcoming IPL, bringing his distinctive bowling skills to the forefront. However, there have been more teams who could have tried to rope in Sakariya. 

3. Rajasthan Royals

The inaugural season winner Rajasthan Royals had a great time in the IPL auction 2024. The team bought in five players on a low budget and went home happy. Despite having a huge Indian pace battery Sanju Samson-led team should have gone for Chetan Sakariya. Having represented them and performed exceptionally Sakariya would have been a great addition. 

In a pool of players like Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma and Kuldeep Sen, Sakariya might have brought another aspect to the bowling attack. However, RR did even try to bid for their former player as KKR secured his services cheaply. 

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Aiden Markram's Sunrisers Hyderabad made strategic and shocking buys at the IPL Auction 2024. The team bought Australia skipper Pat Cummins for a whopping 20.5 Crore. Investing such a huge amount on a foreign player raised eyebrows among fans. However, it happened and might have strengthened SRH's bowling line-up. 

In the end, SRH failed to invest in a great Indian bowler. Despite having the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik and Jaydev Undakat Chetan Sakariya would have been a great addition. Sakariya's disciplined line and length would have helped them to get a quality bowling unit. Apart from Bhuvi, everyone has failed to impress recently, which could have been addressed with Sakariya's addition. 

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Faf du Plessis led Royal Challengers Bangalore and looked clueless in the IPL auction 2024. The team bought players like Alzarri Joseph and Yash Dayal for a whopping sum to strengthen their pace bowling. However, Chetan Sakariya's addition would have made sense for them. Having a great record in domestic cricket and a proven IPL track record RCB might have been more comfortable and confident with him. 

The team might have bought him for cheap compared to others which would have helped them to continue their hunt for other players. However, they missed the trick and Kolkata Knight Riders had the last laugh. It will be interesting to see how things unfold for RCB with a comparatively less experienced bowling attack.