The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the most popular IPL franchises. The franchise has been a part of the IPL since its inception, having competed in all 17 seasons of the lucrative competition. However, it is currently awaiting its first title. Before the IPL 2025 major auctions, which are expected to occur later this month, RCB retained three players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.

RCB will have three Right To Match (RTM) cards available in the mega auctions, and the franchise owners are hoping to bring back as many players as possible. The squad has had a great 2024 season and wants to convert their maiden IPL title with a significant team restructuring from the Mega Auction, as they have the potential to acquire top players from the under-the-hammer roster. Here are the five top-player recommendations for the side to target in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

KL Rahul

KL Rahul will be one of the targets of the loyal fanbase-backed squad in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction for apparent reasons. Rahul had a fantastic IPL 2016 with RCB. However, he missed the 2017 season due to injuries and was released before the 2018 Mega Auction. He later played for the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Lucknow Super Giants, but he could return to his home franchise, which has only kept three players, including a colossal purchasing purse.

Rahul has always been liked by the RCB faithful, partly because he is from Bengaluru, and the team is in dire need of a reliable wicketkeeper batter. Fans should anticipate that RCB will bid quite expensively for Rahul in the blockbuster auction. In the 2024 edition, he has made a commendable 520 runs in 14 matches with four half-centuries.

Mitchell Starc

RCB has historically struggled with a reliable bowling attack, which has been overlooked by their dynamic batting lineup, and Mitchell Starc can help address that gap. Starc's ability to perform in high-pressure circumstances and his previous stint with RCB in 2015 suggest he might be the missing piece in RCB's quest for their first IPL victory. His expertise and talent in T20 cricket make him an excellent choice to command their bowling unit.

In IPL 2024, as the most expensive player in the tournament ever, Starc demonstrated his brilliance by collecting crucial wickets and maintaining an exceptional economy rate during playoffs, further cementing his worth to a club needing bowling consistency. In his triumphant 2024 campaign with the Kolkata Knight Riders, he has taken 17 wickets in 14 matches. 

Will Jacks

Will Jacks, another major player for RCB in the 2024 season, had a massive influence after replacing Maxwell in the playing XI. Jack's ability to dominate pacers and spinners and his helpful spin bowling may urge RCB to utilise their RTM to keep him. With his swashbuckling style, he can restore the team's batting glory days, as they have the opportunity to win their first title through a restructure in the upcoming Mega Auction.

In eight matches, the 25-year-old English all-rounder scored 230 runs at a fantastic 175.57 strike rate, including a spectacular 41-ball century against the Gujarat Titans.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Mumbai Indians should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj, who has been at RCB since 2018, was also included on the list of players revealed ahead of the mega auction. Siraj grabbed 15 wickets in 14 IPL 2024 matches while maintaining a solid economy rate of 9.19 economy. But as they say, every player has a rough patch in their sporting stint; Siraj will be desperate to come back with a bang through the fierce and intense 2025 IPL.

He is well-known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball, but his recent improvements at death bowling make him an invaluable asset. RCB may use their RTM option to bring him back, as they need a reliable Indian pacer who can spearhead the team's bowling attack and align with its goals by being aware of the Indian conditions. 

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra, the all-rounder from New Zealand, is one of cricket's hottest prospects, making him a priority target for several prominent teams in the forthcoming IPL 2025 big auction. He had a terrific time with CSK throughout the 2024 IPL season, but now that they have opted not to put him on the retention list, RCB might consider him a top-order alternative to Virat Kohli.

Ravindra has the talent and skill to adjust to varied circumstances with the bat and ball, which should serve him well regardless of where he ends up in the next edition. Though he had a mediocre debut IPL sit-in with the Chennai Super Kings by scoring just 222 runs in ten games, his awareness of the Indian conditions would act as the major USP for the team to acquire his services. 

Chennai Super Kings is one such franchise that has enhanced the fame and definition of the Indian Premier League. Being a five-time champions side helmed under the captain cool, MS Dhoni, the Super Kings are prominent for the gameplay and their humongous fanbase. But, they had a forgettable 2024 stint, as they had closely missed qualifying for the playoffs, citing significant issues regarding players' inconsistency and the injury of leading campaigners.

But, with the Mega Auction coming ahead, the Yellove army will get a chance to restructure their team and plan for the long term, as a few of them from the roster will likely play their last in the times ahead. Based on the released retention list and voids present on the side, here is a list of the five players that Chennai Super Kings should try for in the coming 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant should be on the team's player acquisition plans' significant target list. The primary reason behind this would be evident amongst several cricket fanatics. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni possibly playing his last IPL after his cornerstone contributions to the cricketing world, Chennai Super Kings would be eager to acquire the services of an emerging wicketkeeper batter.

Since his IPL inception, Pant has been part of Delhi Capitals for over seven editions, implying his pivotal impact creation for his roster. But, with him parting ways from his career shuttler, it will be intriguing to see if Rishabh Pant would be a part of a team with his idol. After making a stellar comeback from a life-threatening injury, he has made 446 runs in 13 matches, averaging over 41. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the cornerstones of the Indian spinners ecosystem. But, before making a mark on the International cricket space, Ashwin was a part of the Yellow squad since its inception. He evolved as one of the best spinmeisters across all game formats, especially in the red-ball format.

Though Ashwin has played for four teams, Rajasthan Royals being the recent one, his consistency and intent must be the major USP. Also, with his recent dominance as one of the best bowlers in test cricket, the local boy wouldn't mind returning to the side that has given him all. The Super Kings will target to have an experienced spinner, and he can prove to be their best option. In the previous edition, he had scalped nine wickets in 15 matches at an economy of eight. 

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar would be one of the players under the Super Kings auction management's auction radar, thanks to his impeccable performance in their recent whitewash campaign by New Zealand, where his spinning efforts went in vain. Many fanatics would vividly remember his batting contributions in the nick of time during the previous 2022 Border-Gavasker Trophy down under.

Sundar, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, was not retained by his franchise and will be auctioned off. With Chennai retaining Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube ahead of the auction, another all-rounder could do them good. With the side requiring a long-term emerging spinner, Sundar can cater to those needs, and his local roots act as the cherry on top. In 2024, he didn't get a chance to display his calibre and scalped just one wicket in two appearances. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Best Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Devon Conway

Devon Conway is seen to be one of the players that the five-time winners may exercise their Right-to-Match (RTM) option or pay big for in the mega auction. The group is recognised for its stability and consistency and has placed a high faith level in its overseas players, with Devon Conway has maintained that tradition.

He missed the IPL 2024 season with a thumb injury, and his absence contributed to the franchise's failure to qualify for the playoffs. The Southern side should be eager to get him back into the auction. In his memorable 2023 stint, he has made a colossal 672 runs in 16 matches, averaging over 49.

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra is currently one of the intriguing and emerging stars in world cricket, and he's mainly performed brilliantly in the Indian sub-continent, with his recent performance in the clean sweep India test series and the 2023 World Cup.

A calm demeanour, 24 years of age, a match-winner with the bat, and a handy spinner – all elements of Rachin Ravindra are perfect for the team to acquire him for long-term purposes. Though he had a shaky start in his first IPL appearance, his calibre signifies promise, which the Chennai Super Kings highly need. In 2024, he has made just 220 runs in ten matches, but it will be a terrain of a task for the side as many sides are willing to bid for him in the forthcoming Mega Auction.

Young and talented batter Rachin Ravindra became the first New Zealand batter in 12 years to score a Test hundred in India. Rachin achieved this huge feat during the first Test between India and New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, October 18, 2024.

New Zealand scored a decent total

The Bengaluru-origin batter, Rachin who originally hails from Wellington, maintained his sublime form from the 2023 ODI World Cup, notching up his second Test century as well. Ravindra shared an important partnership with Tim Southee as the duo took New Zealand's lead past 250 as well. With New Zealand's stunning batting attack continuing, Team India gave away the biggest first innings lead since 2013 at home as well.

The team take a 299-run lead into lunch on Day 3. A second Test century for Rachin Ravindra and a 112-run partnership with Tim Southee (49*) driving the team forward in Bengaluru. Follow play LIVE in NZ on @skysportnz or @SENZ_Radio LIVE scoring | https://t.co/yADjMlJjpO 🏏 pic.twitter.com/dpYLO2nu4U

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 18, 2024

Notably, former captain Ross Taylor was the last batter to hit a Test century in India with his 113-run knock and he also smashed it in Bengaluru as well. However, the talented batter came in at a stage where he had to play cautiously and started quite slow early on in the innings, but once he set his eyes on, he took on every bowler and completed a stunning hundred and became the 18th New Zealand player to score a hundred in India as well.

SEE ALSO: India vs New Zealand: Rishabh Pant to not keep wickets on Day 3 of Bengaluru Test

Rachin Ravindra made headlines with a hundred

Test century number two for Rachin Ravindra!

It comes from 124 balls with 11 fours and 2 sixes. Pushing the team towards a big lead in Bengaluru. Follow play LIVE in NZ on @skysportnz or @SENZ_Radio LIVE scoring | https://t.co/yADjMlJjpO 📲 #INDvNZ #CricketNation 📸 BCCI pic.twitter.com/rshaKAYyDI

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 18, 2024

Meanwhile, Tim Southee, who stepped down from the captaincy before the series, gave much-needed support from the other end as he successfully defended the Indian spinners, allowing Rachin Ravindra to start playing his shots freely. Southee hit 5 fours and 4 sixes to score 65 off 73 balls, while Rachin got to his second hundred in quick time. With this six, he became the player to smash the sixth most sixes in Test cricket history as well. He scored 134 off 157 with 13 boundaries and 4 sixes as well.

Star New Zealand player Rachin Ravindra has said that the Bengaluru Test against India will be extra significant for him because of his roots. Rachin Ravindra, who has become a key player for New Zealand since his debut, has his roots in Bengaluru, with his parents Ravi Krishnamurthy and Deepa hailing from the city and his grandparents staying here as well.

Speaking to the media, as quoted by PTI, before the first Test of the series, he said that he is expecting his family members to be part of the crowd with his father making the journey from Wellington as well. He also said that such moments are when he would pinch himself on his journey in cricket as well.

Proud of my Indian heritage, says Rachin Ravindra

“It’s something different about playing a Test match. You’re here for five days and it’s a tradition, you know, Test cricket’s the pinnacle. I guess it makes it extra significant because of the family connection,” said Ravindra. “There’ll be a bunch of them in the crowd and I know Dad will be here watching. So those moments, you know, you pinch yourself on the journey and for this it’s definitely one.”

Rachin Ravindra also said that he is very proud of his Indian heritage and playing in front of his family is also special for him as well.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

“I’m born and brought up in Wellington, you know, I’m a Kiwi all the way through. So, for me it’s amazing and I’m very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something pretty special,” he again added.

Rachin Ravindra smashed a hundred against Pakistan at the Chinnaswamy

The talented New Zealand player has fond memories of playing at the Chinnaswamy, as he scored a stunning hundred against Pakistan during the ODI World Cup as well. He had also represented Chennai Super Kings in the IPL against RCB as well.

“Yeah, it’s cool, I think. Obviously, when I was here last time, well I guess it was the IPL, and then before that it was the ODI World Cup. So, two pretty cool experiences to have, part of two very good teams and had those experiences,” he added.

The first Test between India and New Zealand will begin on October 16.

Star player Rachin Ravindra played in his maiden season in IPL for five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and he shared the dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni. In his maiden season for CSK, he scored 222 runs from the 10 matches with a highest score of 61 at a strike rate of 160.87 as well.

Rachin Ravindra had a good season for CSK

Even though defending champions CSK failed to reach the playoffs this time, playing in the cash-rich league was a memorable experience for Ravindra. In a viral video, Ravindra talks about being on the same team as Dhoni as well.

Ravindra said, “Yeah, it’s a pretty special feeling. I think a guy who’s achieved so much, to be able to share a field with him, not just on the field but the wisdom he gives us off it, is extremely valuable.”

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

Rachin Ravindra to play a key role for New Zealand in T20 World Cup

However, Rachin Ravindra’s parents are Indian and they migrated to New
Zealand from Bangalore in the 1990s and he was named Rachin after Indian cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar as well.

On being told that the most asked question on Google for the talented all-rounder is ‘Is Rachin Ravindra an Indian’?, Ravindra said, “I actually didn’t know that. Funnily enough, I don’t really Google myself often. But, yeah, I guess, I’m Indian heritage but I guess I proudly sort of identify myself as a Kiwi, born and brought up there, but always loved coming to India. It’s people and food and everything is amazing.”

However, Rachin Ravindra will be playing for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup next month as well.

Chennai Super Kings, the five-time champions of the Indian Premier League, showcased a flawless performance on their home turf, delivering a crushing 63-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans. The defending champions outclassed last year’s finalists, extending their unbeaten streak this season.

CSK exhibited a stellar all-round performance, with their batsmen shining in the first innings, enabling them to set a formidable target of 206 for 6. Subsequently, they efficiently restricted the opposition to 143 for 8. This victory propelled them to the summit of the IPL 2024 points table, securing four points from two matches.

MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane proves that they will always shine

In the match against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the seasoned campaigners of Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane, showcased exceptional fielding skills. Dhoni, aged 42, executed a remarkable catch to his right, dismissing Vijay Shankar, while Rahane, aged 35, took a sensational catch in the deep to dismiss David Miller.

Despite Dhoni retiring from international cricket in 2020 and Rahane nearing the twilight of his career, their fielding prowess was a sight to behold. The electrifying catches were met with resounding cheers at Chepauk, as Chennai asserted their dominance over Shubman Gill’s team.

Shivam Dube continues his 7^th 50 in IPL

Chennai Super Kings’ all-rounder continued his impressive form in the 2024 Indian Premier League with a blistering half-century against the Gujarat Titans at the Chepauk Stadium. Dube’s knock of 51 runs off just 23 deliveries, coming in at number 4, was instrumental in setting up a challenging total for CSK. The powerful all-rounder smashed two fours and five sixes during his innings.

See Also: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 7, CSK vs GT

This performance follows his unbeaten 34 in the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he steered CSK to victory. Partnering with New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, Dube forged a crucial 51-run partnership that firmly placed CSK in control against the Gujarat Titans. Despite being dismissed by Rashid Khan soon after reaching his fifty in just 22 balls, Dube’s explosive innings at a strike-rate of 221.73 significantly boosted CSK’s total.

Rachin shows his stunning performance

Rachin Ravindra continued his remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League. Facing the Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Ravindra provided Chennai Super Kings with a flying start, smashing 46 runs off just 20 balls. He capitalized on the GT pace attack, led by Azmatullah Omarzai and Umesh Yadav, showcasing his prowess in front of the enthusiastic Chennai crowd.

The promising left-handed batsman from New Zealand partnered with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to open the innings for CSK. Despite being acquired for a modest Rs 1.8 crores in the IPL 2024 auction, following his stellar performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, Rachin proved to be a valuable asset for CSK. His explosive starts in both matches exemplified his potential for a remarkable season in the Indian Premier League, reinforcing CSK’s trust in him.

In a showdown between young captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad emerged victorious, dealing Shubman Gill his first defeat as Gujarat’s captain. This win not only marked CSK’s triumph but also enhanced their head-to-head record against GT in the IPL, with both teams now having secured three victories in their six encounters. Notably, CSK had previously clinched victory against GT in last year’s final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, securing their fifth IPL title and equalling a record.

In the first match of IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings kicked off their title defense with a solid victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the new captain who replaced MS Dhoni, led the team to a winning start in his first game in charge.

MS Dhoni took 2 catches in the powerplay and reflex his comeback

MS Dhoni showed he’s still got it behind the stumps. Dhoni looked comfortable and sharp as he kept wickets during the powerplay after RCB chose to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Fans warmly welcomed Dhoni as he stepped onto the field for the national anthem, following the glittery IPL 2024 opening ceremony featuring AR Rahman and Akshay Kumar. Sporting his classic long hairstyle, Dhoni appeared calm and composed during the pre-match rituals.

The 42-years-old wasted no time in wowing the crowd, making a stunning dive to his right to prevent a boundary off Faf du Plessis’s bat. The Chepauk fans roared in approval for their beloved former captain, who displayed his trademark reflexes with style.

RCB go from 41 for 0 to 42 for 3 wickets in first innings

Faf du Plessis got Royal Challengers Bengaluru off to a blazing start, especially against Deepak Chahar, his former teammate. But his exciting innings was abruptly ended by left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, thanks to a stunning catch by new recruit Rachin Ravindra.

In the same over, Rahman also sent Rajat Patidar back to the pavilion for a duck, marking MS Dhoni’s first catch of IPL 2024.

RCB suffered another blow when Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for a first-ball duck by Deepak Chahar, adding to their woes during the powerplay.

From a promising 41 for no loss, RCB stumbled to 42 for 3 as Chennai Super Kings struck thrice in quick succession, seizing the momentum.

Mustafizur Rahman picked up 4 wickets in his first appearance

Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh pacer, had a standout debut for CSK in the match, delivering the best bowling performance by any Bangladeshi bowler in IPL history. He snatched four crucial wickets, giving away just 29 runs in his four overs, marking his personal best in the tournament.

Known fondly as ‘The Fizz’, Rahman made an immediate impact by dismissing opposition captain Faf Du Plessis in his very first over, with debutant Rachin Ravindra completing a fine catch in the deep. Following that, Rajat Patidar fell for a duck, caught behind by M.S. Dhoni.

Later on, Mustafizur struck again, this time claiming the wickets of Virat Kohli and Cameron Green in quick succession with his deceptive slower-ball cutter. Kohli’s dismissal, caught via a relay catch at the deep by Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin, was particularly crucial in halting RCB’s momentum.

Despite the setbacks, Dinesh Karthik and Anuj Rawat steadied the ship with a solid 95-run partnership, guiding RCB to a respectable total of 173/6 in their allotted twenty overs.

See Also: IPL 2024: CSK beat RCB by 6 wickets in opener; Points table updated

CSK easily chased down 174 runs in just 18.4 overs, thanks to a team effort with the bat, led by newcomer Rachin Ravindra. Mustafizur Rahman shone for the Super Kings, grabbing 4 wickets in his debut match for the five-time champions.

Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik fought hard with the bat for RCB, but it wasn’t enough as CSK cruised to victory with clinical batting. Shivam Dube, who came in as the Impact Player, played a crucial unbeaten knock of 34 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja remained not out on 25. Their partnership of 66 runs for the 5th wicket sealed the win for the Super Kings.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, leading the team in his first match, remained cool and composed throughout. He stayed in control, even after losing the toss and Faf du Plessis chose to bat first. Gaikwad was frequently seen discussing tactics with former captain MS Dhoni on the field, benefiting from the experience of the most successful captain in IPL history.

MS Dhoni, impressed everyone with his wicketkeeping skills in his return to competitive cricket after undergoing knee surgery last year.

In the ongoing IPL 2024 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane showcased exceptional presence of mind and athleticism to dismiss Virat Kohli.

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli provided RCB with a solid start, amassing 41 runs swiftly before Mustafizur Rahman claimed du Plessis’ wicket and Rajat Patidar’s in the fifth over, putting CSK in a commanding position. In the subsequent over, Deepak Chahar removed the threatening Glenn Maxwell, further denting RCB’s progress at 42 for 3.

Kohli and Cameron Green then stabilized the innings, but just as Kohli seemed to be settling in and preparing to accelerate, Rahane intervened with a remarkable effort. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reintroduced Mustafizur into the attack, which yielded immediate dividends.

Rahane and Ravindra shine as CSK takes control against RCB

On the second delivery of the over, Mustafizur delivered a back-of-length ball, prompting Kohli to attempt a pull shot. Though Kohli made decent contact, the lack of pace on the delivery prevented him from clearing the boundary. Despite placing his shot between two deep fielders, Kohli’s hopes were dashed by Rahane’s exceptional fielding.

Rahane charged in from deep mid-wicket, executing a sliding catch before swiftly returning the ball to Rachin Ravindra as his momentum carried him towards the boundary. Replays confirmed Rahane’s release of the ball before touching the boundary, leaving Kohli with no choice but to depart.

Making their IPL debut in this match, Mustafizur Rahman and Rachin Ravindra wasted no time in leaving their mark, taking less than five overs to announce their presence. RCB captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat first.

Watch Rachin Ravindra’s catch:

Du Plessis came out aggressively, accumulating 31 runs off just 20 balls by the end of the fourth over. He dispatched Deepak Chahar for a boundary in the opening over and added two more off Tushar Deshpande’s bowling in the second over. In the third over, he punished Chahar with four boundaries.

With Du Plessis in sublime form, CSK needed something extraordinary to dismiss him, and Rachin Ravindra provided exactly that. Ruturaj Gaikwad entrusted Mustafizur Rahman with the fifth over, and it took just three balls for him to make an impact.

SEE ALSO: CSK vs RCB, Match 1, IPL 2024: Mustafizur’s early breakthrough sends RCB on backfoot

On the fourth delivery of the same over, Mustafizur struck again, removing Cameron Green for 18, leaving RCB struggling at 78 for 5. As of the report’s writing, Anuj Rawat showcased brilliance with a remarkable 48-run innings, forming a crucial partnership of 95 runs with the experienced Dinesh Karthik (38*), propelling Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a total of 173 for six against Chennai Super Kings.

The IPL 2024 would most likely be the final appearance of renowned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni, especially given his immaculate service in leading the franchise to five IPL victories, the most recent being the 2023 edition. The batting unit of the Chennai Super Kings is in fantastic shape following the IPL 2024 auction.

They have also primarily concentrated on boosting their batting order by increasing the proportion of Kiwi batters in the team. In IPL 2024, Dhoni’s arsenal will have access to his whole bowling lineup, thanks to more extensive and intriguing pace and spin wizards selections, which also comprise all-rounders. Here’s a list of the top four players from the Yellove squad to check out.

MS Dhoni

Unsurprisingly, the fan’s beloved Thala i.e. MS Dhoni will be the major player from the CSK side to check out in the IPL 2024 edition, as this could be the tournament where he could give a full stop to an illustrious cricketing career.

Be it for getting the game to its depth or scalping wickets through lightning-fast hands, the man from Ranchi has made his game and approach doing the talking about him as a sportsperson. As it implies, he is the player to be checked out by all the IPL fans, possibly seeing him hanging the boots from his cricketing journey and giving a proper and memorable sign-off.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad has performed admirably for CSK after joining the franchise in IPL 2020. In 52 matches, Gaikwad has 1797 runs, including one century and 14 fifties. He has also received a score of 99. He averages 39.06 and has a strikeout rate of 135.52. He has also performed admirably for the Indian team in short overs, getting a century against Australia in T20Is lately.

The Maharashtra batsman has extensive leadership experience in domestic cricket. He also led India to the Asian Games gold medal last year, which primarily talks about his potential to become the future leader of the yellow squad.

See Also: Dhoni’s new look before IPL kick-off goes viral on social media

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra stood out for New Zealand in the recent World Cup 2023 event. Ravindra made full use of his position up the order, scoring three hundred for a total of 565 runs, the greatest by any batter making his World Cup debut. Ravindra was so outstanding that even after Kane Williamson returned, New Zealand remained with him.

Ravindra has 820 runs from 25 ODIs and 146 runs from 19 T20Is. He has also taken 29 wickets in restricted overs for New Zealand. It remains to be seen where Ravindra will fit into the CSK team as a viable opener with Ruturaj Gaikwad, as the recent news of the team’s standout left-hand opener, Devon Conway, has sustained a major thumb injury and is stated unavailable for the next two months.

Sameer Rizvi

Sameer Rizvi, an uncapped player from Meerut known for his tremendous hitting, received a startling bid of Rs 8.40 crore from the Chennai Super Kings. The auction for Rizvi began with a price of Rs 20 lakh. This middle-order batsman is set to make his IPL debut in 2024, making him the most expensive uncapped player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Auction.

Rizvi’s spectacular ascent followed his outstanding performance in the last UP T20 League, scoring 455 runs in only nine innings for the Kanpur Superstars, including two centuries. Indeed, it is unsurprising for several cricket fanatics to see how the promising batting star unveils himself on the bigger stage of IPL 2024.

The Indian Premier League has become a gateway to execution and the display of impeccable cricketing talent. It is not a lie that we have seen many top and prominent players making a mark amongst the cricket fanatics, thanks to this cash-rich and massive fanbase tournament. Be it for a domestic player creating a breakthrough in the Indian team space or a foreign player making their fanbase amongst the Indian fanbase.

As it implies, the auctions in December have seen some intriguing additions to the IPL family, and they would create an impact in giving an excellent kickstart to their IPL stint. This listicle will look at the top four debutants to watch out for in the upcoming IPL 2024 edition.

Rachin Ravindra- Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings, the reigning five-time champions, have signed all-rounder Rachin Ravindra for Rs 1.8 crore. In his T20I career, he has scored only 146 runs in 19 innings at an average of 13.18 and taken 11 wickets. Rachin Ravindra distinguished out for New Zealand at the recent World Cup 2023 tournament.

Ravindra took full use of his place up the order, scoring three three-digit figures for a total of 565 runs, the most by any batter making his World Cup debut. And with Devon Conway being ruled out for most of the tournament due to a significant thumb injury for the next two months, Rachin Ravindra can fill up the boots of a vacant opening partner with Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Gerald Coetzee- Mumbai Indians

Gerald Coetzee, a South African quickgun, joined the Mumbai Indians for Rs 5 crore. Coetzee had a base price of Rs 2 crore. Coetzee played four T20Is and took six wickets. He played his final 20-over match against India in 2023. The five-time winners are well-known for their excellent speed bowling, and the team is working hard to improve it for the IPL 2024.

The Proteas pacer will assist Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, and Hardik Pandya’s pace attack. The highlights of his maiden IPL season will be his rapid pace and wicket-scalping technique in essential situations.

See Also: 5 players with most runs In IPL ft Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Dilshan Madhushanaka- Mumbai Indians

In the IPL 2024 auction, the Mumbai Indians spent Rs 4.6 crore for Sri Lanka’s left-arm fast Dilshan Madushanka. In 14 T20 matches, the seamer has taken 14 wickets at an average of 30.93.

It is hardly surprising that the arrival of the Sri Lankan pacer and South African quickie Gerald Coetzee has improved the Mumbai Indians’ pace-bowling department, which already has Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, and Jason Behrendoff, to mention a few. This player’s debut will make the five-time champion bowling team one of the strongest in the tournament.

Shamar Joseph- Lucknow Super Giants

Though he has got his name in the IPL ecosystem as a replacement for Mark Wood from the Lucknow Super Giants, Shamar Joseph did the talking with the ball after his brilliant and memorable performance for the Carribean side against the Aussies. Joseph made his West Indies debut in the drawn series against Australia, dismissing Steven Smith with his first ball in Test cricket, which the team lost in Adelaide.

He became a worldwide sensation when, despite an ailing foot, he claimed seven wickets in the final innings to lead West Indies to a stunning eight-run victory at the Gabba in the second Test. It was West Indies’ first Test victory in Australia since 1997. As his performance suggests, it is not surprising to see Shamar Joseph being the major contributor in the LSG’s bowling attack and, of course, an IPL debutant to check out for.