5 Underrated players who can fetch big money at auction

The IPL auction for the 2024 edition is scheduled for Tuesday, December 19 in Dubai. It will feature over 1100 players who are vying for contracts. Ahead of the event, certain players are expected to spark bidding war among franchises, while a handful of underrated names may also secure lucrative deals during the upcoming auction.

Lately, certain players have excelled in their roles without garnering significant media attention. These performers could potentially capitalize on their noteworthy displays in the upcoming auction. Prior to the Mini Auction 2024, let's explore five underrated players who may secure substantial contracts;

5. Rovman Powell

Ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, Delhi Capitals (DC) broke their ties with Rovman Powell, who is set to return to the auction after a two-year absence. The West Indies skipper is known for his hard-hitting prowess during the death overs but, he scored just seven runs in three games for the Capitals in 2023. Powell enters the auction with a base price of INR 1 crore.

With franchises potentially eyeing him as a finisher, Powell's aggressive batting has gathered attention especially after his recent T20I performances where he amassed 192 runs in eight matches at an average of 38.40 and a striking rate of 168.42. Rajasthan Royals (RR) have recently released Devdutt Padikkal and Jason Holder who might just consider utilizing their freed-up funds to acquire Powell and adding a valuable asset to their lower-middle order.

4. Mujeeb ur Rahman

The star Afghan player, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been absent from the lucrative league since 2022. However, this time around his name is poised to attract bidders.The off-break bowler demonstrated confidence with the ball during the 2023 World Cup, securing eight wickets in nine games with an economy of 5.59.

Mujeeb made his IPL debut in 2018 for Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the age of 17, he impressed with 14 wickets in 11 matches at an economy of 6.99. After a dip in performance, Punjab released him before the 2021 auction. In the upcoming auction, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) can be potential bidders, who are seeking quality spinners and Rahman's experience can be handy for them.

3. Josh Inglis

The Australia's wicketkeeper-batter, Josh Inglis is poised to attract a significant deal in the upcoming auction. His outstanding performance in the recently concluded T20I series against India which included a 47-balls hundred in the first T20I has elevated his market value. With a prolific record for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL) where the wicket keeper batter has scored 1509 runs in 65 matches at an impressive strike rate of 142.76 his will be a crucial buy for any team. Inglis also played a pivotal role in Perth's 2023 BBL triumph.

Considering RCB's potential interest, especially with their wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik who has been struggling with form in 2023, might make a substantial bid for the Australian in the 2024 IPL auction.

2. Dilshan Madushanka

Following his impressive five-wicket haul against India at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka has ascended to the top of the wicket charts in the 2023 World Cup. The tall left-arm seamer showcased excellent rhythm, effectively employing his cutters to dismantle the Indian batting order. Despite Sri Lanka's low total of 55 while chasing 358, Madushanka's standout delivery that dismissed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on the second ball of the match garnered attention.

With a total of 18 wickets in seven matches, he ranks second in powerplay wickets (7), trailing South Africa's Marco Jansen (12). Madushanka's remarkable performances position him as a strong contender for a lucrative contract at the upcoming IPL 2024 auction in December, particularly given the demand for overseas seamers among certain franchises.

1. Philip Salt

Surprisingly, Phil Salt was not retained by Delhi Capitals (DC) for the IPL 2024. Salt played nine games in 2023 accumulating only 218 runs with an average of 27.25 which possibly lead to his exclusion. Despite this, he could secure a substantial bid in the upcoming auction. In the 2023 hundred Men's competition, Salt showcased excellent form scoring 232 runs in 10 games with a remarkable strike rate of 194.95. He even finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer.

With an impressive T20I record for England scoring 308 runs in 16 matches at a brilliant strike rate of 148.79, several franchises may be enticed to invest in him for the 2024 season. In addition to this, recently, in the T20 game against West Indies, the star England opener even struck an unbeaten century to guide England home. Hence, a franchise like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) can target him as a replacement of Harry Brook.