IPL 2024 Auction: Shardul Thakur's Next Possible Destination After Being Traded from DC and released from KKR

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IPL 2024 Auction: Shardul Thakur was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, and the fast-bowling all-rounder is now on a lookout for a new team in the cash-rich league.

The IPL 2024 mini-auction is scheduled to be held on December 19 in Dubai, and eyes will be on Shardul Thakur on the big day. The 32-year-old has set a base price of Rs 2 crore for himself.

The Mumbai cricketer has played a total of 150 T20 matches and picked 169 wickets at an average of 25.95 and an economy rate of 8.76. With the bat, the right-hander has scored 416 runs at an average of 130.40. Even though Shardul Thakur has improved his batting credentials over the years, teams would be eyeing to grab his services mostly for his bowling.

Delhi Capitals (DC) had bought Shardul Thakur for Rs 10.75 crore from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2022. He picked 15 wickets and scored 120 runs from 14 matches in the season. DC traded him to KKR ahead of IPL 2023. Shardul Thakur could pick just seven wickets and score just 113 runs from 11 matches for the Kolkata-based franchise.

Shardul Thakur's credential as a T20 player is dwindling at the moment. He finds himself only in the Test squad on the tour of South Africa. He has been ignored from the ODI and T20I squads. It's certain that Shardul Thakur would not be grabbed by IPL franchises for a high amount. Let's have a look at three IPL teams which can be home for Shardul Thakur in the IPL 2024.

IPL 2024 Auction: Which IPL team can buy Shardul Thakur?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): The franchise has released the likes of Harshal Patel, Siddharth Kaul, Wayne Parnell, Josh Hazlewood and David Willey. However, they still have a few very decent pacers in Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Akash Deep, and Vyshak Vijay Kumar.

But Shardul Thakur brings with himself vast experience and an ability to bat. None of the pace bowlers retained by RCB have a better batting credential than Shardul Thakur. It won't be a surprise if Shardul Thakur gets a new home in RCB.

Mumbai Indians (MI): The Mumbai cricketer would want to represent Mumbai Indians (MI). After spending time at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), DC and KKR, Shardul must be harbouring a dream to play for his home team Mumbai.

MI faced a shortage of quality pace bowlers last season, and they are going to enter the auction with a plan. Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, and Jasprit Bumrah are the only three pacers in the MI retained list. Apart from getting someone like Gerald Coetzee or Mitchell Starc, Mumbai Indians think tank could definitely look to rope in someone like Shardul Thakur who would be super useful with his variations.

Gujarat Titans: The chances of Shardul Thakur going to Gujarat Titans (GT) are also very high. Mohit Sharma flourished massively in the IPL 2023 under the guidance of Ashish Nehra. Shardul Thakur might also get his T20 form back at GT under Nehra.

Alzarri Joseph, Dasun Shanaka, Pradeep Sangwan, Shivam Mavi, Yash Dayal, and Odean Smith are among the fast bowlers released by Shardul Thakur. Further, Mohammed Shami and Shubman Gill are the only two Team India regulars in the Gujarat Titans retained list. There is a high chance of GT bidding for Shardul Thakur at IPL 2024 Auction.