The IPL 2024 mini-auction witnessed a remarkable splurge on uncapped talents as franchises invested crores in promising players. This listicle unveils the top five uncapped cricketers who struck gold in the auction, earning lucrative deals despite their untested IPL waters. From explosive batsmen to crafty bowlers, these unsung heroes caught the eye of team scouts, prompting hefty investments.
Explore the untold stories behind their meteoric rise and the strategic reasoning that led franchises to place substantial bets on these emerging stars. As the cricketing world anticipates their IPL debut, delve into the intriguing narratives of these uncapped players who emerged as the auction's biggest surprises. Here are the top 5 uncapped buys:
#5. Shushant Mishra in INR 2.20 Cr by GT
In a remarkable turn of events, Sushant Mishra, a talented uncapped left-arm fast bowler hailing from Ranchi, struck gold in the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Securing a hefty deal of INR 2 crore 20 lakh with the Gujarat Titans, Mishra's initial modest base price of INR 20 lakh belied his potential. His exceptional skills captured the attention of franchise scouts, transforming him into an IPL millionaire.
Notably, Mishra is affiliated with the South Eastern Railway, adding a unique dimension to his cricketing journey. As he gears up to make his mark in the IPL, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the promising performances this rising star could bring to the league.
#4. Shubham Dubey in 5.80 Cr by RR
Left-handed middle-order batsman Shubham Dubey emerged as a sought-after player in the IPL 2024 mini-auction, securing a notable deal with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for INR 5.8 crore after a fierce bidding war with the Delhi Capitals. Dubey's outstanding performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 221 runs at an impressive average of 73.66 and a strike rate exceeding 187, showcased his prowess.
Notably, his quickfire 58 off 20 balls in a successful chase of 213 for Vidarbha against Bengal underscored his match-winning capabilities. With a T20 average of 37.30 from 20 matches, Dubey stands as a potential dark horse for RR, adding depth and firepower to their batting lineup.
#3. Kumar Kushagra in 7.20 crore by DC
At a mere 19 years old, the young wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Kushagra from Jharkhand has made waves in the cricketing world. Securing a significant deal worth INR 7.20 crore with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024 auction, despite a base price of INR 20 lakh, reflects the burgeoning talent and potential teams see in him.
Having showcased his skills in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and made history in the Ranji Trophy with a double-hundred against Nagaland, Kushagra brings a combination of youth and proven performance. His impressive stint in the Deodhar Trophy and representation in India's squad for the 2020 U19 World Cup further underline his promising future in the IPL.
#2. Shahrukh Khan in 7.40 Cr by GT
Tamil Nadu all-rounder Shahrukh Khan emerged as a hot commodity in the IPL 2024 mini-auction, securing a significant INR 7.4 crore contract with the Gujarat Titans (GT) after a fierce bidding battle, notably with the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Previously released by PBKS for INR 9 crore after 33 matches, Shahrukh joined the reigning champions.
Renowned for his versatile skills, his bowling prowess shone in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2023, where he claimed the highest number of wickets—17 in nine games with an economical rate of 6.66. While yet to showcase his bowling in the IPL, Shahrukh's TNPL 2023 batting exhibited an impressive strike rate of 190, adding excitement to his IPL journey.
#1. Sameer Rizvi in 8.40 Cr by CSK
Uttar Pradesh's explosive batsman, Sameer Rizvi, made headlines at the IPL 2024 mini-auction. With a modest base price of 20 lakh, Rizvi found himself at the centre of a fierce bidding war between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT), ultimately fetching an impressive INR 8.4 crore from the defending champions.
The 20-year-old cricketer rose to prominence during the inaugural edition of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, amassing 455 runs in nine innings, featuring two centuries, and notably notching the fastest century of the tournament with an astonishing 18 sixes. Rizvi's remarkable journey from the UP T20 League to a multi-crore IPL deal adds an exciting chapter to his budding cricket career.