The recipe for a successful T20 squad begins at the top. Over the years, IPL clubs have kept to this approach, assembling their lineups around a strong opening combination, like as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway for Chennai Super Kings in their title-winning 2023 season.

A few clubs will be looking for an opener (or two) heading into the 2024 auction.

IPL clubs are expected to stick with their current starting duo.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway of CSK

CSK will almost certainly not be looking for a new opener, since they already have one of the strongest pairings in Conway and Gaikwad. CSK has a capable backup in Ajinkya Rahane, who has been in fine form in yellow.

Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan of the Mumbai Indians

Another team that is unlikely to go into the auction seeking for an opener is the Mumbai Indians. The five-time winner has Kerala hitter Vishnu Vinod as a backup.

 Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul of the Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants will stick to its guns in the auction after both De Kock and Rahul had outstanding ODI World Cup performances. It also helps to have an opener of Kyle Mayers’ caliber waiting in the wings.

Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal of the Rajasthan Royals

Buttler has been one of the most dependable openers in the IPL, and Jaiswal’s standing has only risen in the previous two years. The Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, may look for a backup alternative in the auction.

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis of the Royal Challengers Bangalore

Another combination of openings that is unlikely to alter. Given the success of the Kohli-Du Plessis combination, RCB is likely to invest in other departments.

Teams looking for fresh starters

Over the previous two seasons, Gujarat Titans have leaned on Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha. However, with the latter approaching his forties, the Titans may try to hunt for younger prospects in the auction.

Prithvi Shaw had a mediocre 2023 IPL season, with the Delhi Capitals experimenting with Phil Salt and David Warner up front. However, with the team releasing Salt, the Capitals are expected to look for a new opener in the auction.

The Kolkata Knight Riders will also seek an opening option to complement Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma are options for Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, similar to Punjab Kings, the team may try to switch things up.

five all-rounders at the auction

Travis Head

At the top of this list is Australia’s Travis Head, who performed admirably with his bat in the recently finished ODI World Cup and contributed to his team’s victory by getting two crucial wickets in the semi-finals with his ball. Travis Head is in fantastic form and has registered for this year’s IPL auction at a base price of Rs 2 crore. Many clubs will be willing to invest crores of rupees behind the head in such a position.

Rachin Ravindra

This New Zealand spin all-rounder has been spoken about since the first World Cup match. Initially, most cricket fans thought of this guy as a key spin bowler who could also bat, but during the World Cup, he batted at numbers one, two, and three for New Zealand, and became the team’s leading run-scorer. Aside from that, this man bowled and took several wickets. In this case, the team will be willing to invest crores of rupees on this left-handed athlete.

Azmatullah Omarzai

Many teams will open their doors to Afghanistan’s quick bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. This Afghan player also excelled during the ODI World Cup. Umjai not only batted brilliantly in the middle order, but he also got wickets with new and old balls. This athlete is noted for his superb finishing and rapid bowling in addition to batting in the middle order. As a result, offers worth crores of rupees can be placed for this outstanding all-rounder at the IPL auction.

The next Australian player on our list is Pat Cummins, who led Australia to World Test Championship and ODI World Cup victories this year. Although Pat Cummins is most renowned for his quick bowling, he is also one of the top players in IPL history to have achieved the fastest half-century. This indicates that Cummins’ bat also talks in the shorter style. Aside from that, the squad has the choice of a world-champion captain through this player.

Thakur, Shardul

This list also includes the name of an Indian player. Shardul Thakur is also called as Lord since he is able to take 2-3 wickets at a time. Apart from that, Shardul’s batting talent allows him to smash some huge hits in the lower order. Shardul has formerly played for the Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals. As a result, some teams may be willing to pay a high price for this Indian all-rounder.