IPL 2024 Auction: Why CSK May Aim For New Zealand Star Daryl Mitchell?

Add as a preferred source on Google

IPL 2024 Auction players list is yet to be released, but it is believed that 590 players have been shortlisted for the bidding process, which is scheduled to be held in Dubai on December 19, 2023.

While that list will be trimmed down, some of the top performers from the bygone ODI World Cup are expected to make the final list which will be released weeks ahead of the auction.

One player from the World Cup stars is New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who did exceptionally well with the bat during the one and half month long show-piece tournament in India.

Rachin Ravindra and Travis Head may be on top of every team's wishlist, but Mitchell could be one of the under the radar target for some franchises heading into the auction after his power-hitting display in the last two months.

The 32-year-old amassed 552 runs, including 2 hundreds and 2 fifties in 9 innings at an average of 69.00. The right-handed batter smashed 22 sixes and 48 fours in the tournament, but despite his ability to bowl some medium pace, he rarely bowled.

Mitchell previously had a stint with Rajasthan Royals, who bought the Blackcaps all-rounder for Rs 75 Lakhs. He played only two matches, scoring a total of 33 runs and went wicketless conceding 27 runs in his 2 overs. In 2023 auction, he went unsold.

His reduced bowling in white ball format may be one drawback, but his ability to hit boundaries regularly in sub-continent conditions, will tempt a few sides to land the Kiwi at the auction, and who better than Chennai Super Kings, where another Kiwi is at the helm?

Here we take a look at reasons why CSK may target Daryl Mitchell at the IPL auction 2024 and why the all-rounder would still be a good option even if only picked for his batting:

Why Chennai Super Kings Will Go For Daryl Mitchell in the IPL 2024 auction?

1. Mitchell as Ben Stokes replacement: With the England Test captain opting out of the IPL, CSK's purse swelled past Rs 20 Crore. Stokes was brought in for Rs 16.25 Crore in the IPL 2023 auction, but was used only in two matches due to injury issues.

Stokes also was brought in for his batting as he bowled only one over in the two matches. So, Mitchell also could be looked at someone, who could be used in the same role. If not in the 11 due to overseas limit, Mitchell will definitely be a terrific backup for any team.

2. Mitchell as Rayudu's replacement: Ambati Rayudu, who featured in the 11 or played as the impact substitute last season, is no longer available as he retired at the end of the title-winning IPL 2023.

Mitchell can replicate Rayudu's power-hitting, but will take up one of the overseas slot. However, his ability to take bat deep or as a floater like Rayudu will be tempting for MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming.

In a like-for-like replacement, CSK will very likely go for an Indian player to take Rayudu's position which can be sorted internally with the current crop of players or an external solution in hometown's Shahrukh Khan, who was released by Punjab Kings.

If Shahrukh is priced out by the other teams that have a little hefty purse than CSK, Mitchell makes for a good choice depending on when his name is drawn in the auction and also his base price.

3. Mitchell as opening backup: The CSK opening slot is sorted with Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad making the position their own, but an injury to either player may leave a hole although CSK can use Ajinkya Rahane in that role.

So, adding Mitchell as a back up opener also is something what CSK think-tank will consider. He can also play anywhere in the top five, an option which CSK will like a lot as they rotate their line up during the matches.

4. Mitchell as pace-bowling all-rounder: Although he hasn't bowled much in the limited overs format lately, the Kiwi has claimed 8 wickets in his 10 bowling innings on the international stage. He could be a handy sixth bowling option to have on wickets that assist the quicks.

Again, the challenge will be the overseas limit with Conway, Moeen Ali, Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana being the immediate picks. Plus, on the slow wickets in Chennai, CSK will opt for spinner Mitchell Santner to feature.

However, with three overseas slots left to fill, CSK may jump at the opportunity should there be no competition for the Kiwi at the auction table. But it is very likely that one other team - Gujarat Titans will also be interested in landing Mitchell at the auction.