Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be the second-lowest bidder in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction. They only have INR 14.50 crores to spend and would have to make wise decisions. They released nine players before the mini-auction and acquired Avesh Khan from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after trading their left-hand opener Devdutt Padikkal.

In the previous two seasons, RR’s plan was apparent. They intend to assemble a powerful XI and spend more money on them. Based on that, they now focus on enhancing their top and middle order to achieve the team’s fruitful results. Here are the three probable buys by the Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 IPL Mini Auction.

• Daryll Mitchell

Though Daryl Mitchell had associations with the franchise in the 2022 edition and wasn’t pleasing with just a mere two-match appearance, he was released from the team. But, with an impeccable cricketing performance across all formats of the game, with the recently concluded CWC 2023 in India being the highlight, Rajasthan Royals can repurchase him, as he is familiar with the Indian conditions and help strengthen the middle order and provide some medium pace to the team. 

• Harry Brook

When Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) broke the bank for Harry Brook in the previous auctions, they anticipated big things from him. However, with a triple-digit figure, he failed miserably with the willow. As a result, the English emerging star was released by the Orange Army before the IPL 2024 auction.

However, the Rajasthan Royals might pursue him and slot him at No.4 or 5, with Shimron Hetmyer finishing the job. RR had Joe Root, but he opted out, leaving the inaugural winners with three abroad positions to fill. Brook will fit in perfectly since he is a natural middle-order hitter, something RR urgently needs.

• Shardul Thakur

The Rajasthan Royals have omitted Jason Holder, which makes a vacant spot available for a stable all-rounder. However, RR would still want a speed all-rounder, and any domestic player would be a plus. Shardul Thakur is an excellent choice for this post. Thakur is a speed all-rounder who, while less valuable in T20s, is still valid. Shardul will perform well because the tracks in Jaipur were sluggish last time. Not to mention his ability to take wickets and bat in the lower order.