Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has recently made a bold prediction about the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction. He anticipates Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins to be the most coveted player in the auction. Cummins, known for his remarkable prowess both as a bowler and a batsman, is set to make a striking comeback in the IPL after sitting out the previous season.
Fresh off a World Cup win, Cummins is a familiar name in the IPL after some notable performances for Kolkata Knight Riders the last time he played.
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The Spotlight on Pat Cummins at IPL 2024 Auction
Cummins, who had to skip the IPL 2023 due to a packed international calendar, is now ready to dive back into the IPL frenzy. His decision to opt out last year was influenced by his commitments to the Border Gavaskar Trophy and the Ashes. However, the Australian skipper is returning with a base price of INR 2 crore, a figure that reflects his high value in the T20 format.
Gavaskar, speaking on the sidelines of a recent T20I match, emphasized Cummins' dual threat as a cricketer. He pointed out Cummins' ability to hit long balls and his status as one of the finest bowlers in cricket. This combination, according to Gavaskar, makes Cummins an irresistible prospect for IPL franchises. His insights are not just based on Cummins' past performances but also on his potential to bring a unique dynamism to any team he joins.
Cummins' IPL journey has been marked by significant achievements. His stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2022 mega auction saw him being roped in for a whopping INR 7.25 crore. Over his 42-match IPL career, he has claimed 45 wickets and scored 379 runs, showcasing his versatility and consistency in the league. His contribution was pivotal in KKR's journey to the IPL 2021 final, where his performance as both a bowler and a batsman was noteworthy.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar also shared his views on Cummins, highlighting his exceptional leadership and strategic thinking. Cummins' captaincy, especially during the 2023 World Cup, was a testament to his ability to lead and inspire a team under pressure. Manjrekar believes that Cummins' recent performance as a leader could attract the attention of several team owners, especially those looking for a blend of skill and innovative leadership.
PAT CUMMINS Supremacy 🔥@patcummins30 #KKRHaiTaiyaar #KKRvMI #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/NhgfqOag0B
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 6, 2022
The IPL 2024 auction, scheduled to be held in Dubai on December 19, is expected to witness intense competition among teams for securing Cummins. Franchises like Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and SunRisers Hyderabad, known for their aggressive bidding strategies, are likely to be keen on adding a player of Cummins' caliber to their squads. His set base price and recent form make him a prime target in the auction.
Pat Cummins' all-around abilities, coupled with his recent successes in international cricket, make him a prime candidate for top franchises. Gavaskar's prediction about Cummins being the top draw in the IPL 2024 auction may not be too far off the mark. As the auction date approaches, the anticipation and excitement among cricket enthusiasts and teams are palpable, with all eyes set on Cummins and the dynamic he will bring to the IPL.
