IPL 2024: 5 players RCB might target in mini-auction

The build-up to the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is underway as the mini-auction is set to take place on December 19. All 10 franchises have announced their list of retained and released players and are now strategising for a bidding war around the table in Dubai. A total of 1166 players have registered their names in the auction, of which 830 are Indians and 336 are foreigners. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have 6 slots to fill and only INR 23.25 crore left in their purse. A day after announcing their final retention list, the Bangalore-based franchise roped in Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a whopping sum of 17.5 crore from Mumbai Indians. RCB's batting department looks pretty good as always, but their bowling unit needs to sharpen up. As the Faf du Plessis-led side aims to win their maiden title, let's take a look at the 5 players they might target in the upcoming mini-auction.

5. Shardul Thakur

With RCB releasing Harshal Patel, they can go for Shardul Thakur, who has a similar ability to use variations. Thakur has a great knack for delivering crucial breakthroughs and can also strengthen RCB's batting unit. Especially, in the absence of Harshal and David Willey, what the team needs most is a pace bowling all-rounder. 

4. Kartik Tyagi

If RCB are aiming to bring an Indian pacer onboard, Kartik Tyagi is the best option available in the market. The 23-year-old has taken 15 wickets in 19 IPL matches and bowled some impressive overs at the death. Considering a bowling star in him, RCB might target the right-arm quick in the auction.

3. Mitchell Starc

The release of their key bowler Josh Hazelwood is believed to be RCB's move to bring back ace speedster Mitchell Starc. Their bowling unit looks weak compared to the batting, so a star like Starc is needed to lead their pace attack. The left-arm pacer was a former member of RCB and is likely to don their jersey again in the 2024 edition. Starc, who took 16 wickets in 10 innings in the 2023 World Cup, was excellent at handling the new ball and nailing yorkers. 

2. Gerald Coetzee

The 23-year-old pacer was a crucial factor in South Africa's strong performance in the 2023 World Cup. He has taken 20 wickets in eight innings with a strike rate of 19. Along with Starc, RCB can also rope in Gerald Coetzee to build a formidable pace attack. The right-arm seamer is also expected to be a 'hot star' in the upcoming auction. 

1. Rachin Ravindra

Expect a bidding war on December 19 for this young sensation of New Zealand cricket. The Kiwi left-hander had a remarkable outing in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, where he scored 578 runs from 10 innings at an average of 64.22 and a strike rate of 106.45. He was also impressive with his bowling skills. RCB can target Ravindra as they released all-rounders Michael Bracewell and Wannindu Hasaranga from the squad.