IPL 2024 Auction: Why Mumbai Indians and RCB May Aim For New Zealand Sensation Rachin Ravindra?

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Rachin Ravindra has risen exponentially in stature in the last two months with his exceptional performance in the World Cup 2023. The 24-year-old set the marquee event on fire, scoring 578 runs in 10 matches at an average of 64.22 and a strike rate of 106.44. Only Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli scored more runs than him.

Rachin Ravindra also picked five wickets at an economy rate of 5.98 with his left-arm spin bowling. The Wellington-born Indian origin cricketer is now on the cusp of becoming an IPL millionaire during next month's mini-auction scheduled to be held in Dubai.

The IPL 2024 auction on December 19 could emerge as one of the most memorable days in the life of the budding superstar. The multi-utility is set to get a lot of attention from the IPL franchises. It would be raining money for Ravindra.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are the two franchises who could eye acquiring the services of Rachin Ravindra. Here's the reason why.

IPL 2024: Why Rachin Ravindra can be bought by Mumbai Indians?

Mumbai Indians have generally looked to invest in young talents over the years. India's T20I captain Hardik Pandya, who was recently traded back to Mumbai Indians (MI) for a record amount of Rs 15 crore, is an example. He was scouted by the franchise back in 2013. He represented the franchise till 2021 and before leading Gujarat Titans (GT) to title win in 2022.

Jasprit Bumrah also joined the team back in 2013 when he was an unknown name in the cricketing world. Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera and Dewald Brevis are the current examples. Mumbai Indians have always looked at investing in players who can serve them for a long time in the future. Rachin Ravindra perfectly suits the bill.

MI have lacked an overseas opener ever since the departure of Quinton de Kock. Rachin Ravindra can give Rohit Sharma's team the option of a quality left-hand opener who can also bat at three. Ravindra can also roll his arm and offer a spin bowling option to the Mumbai Indians.

IPL 2024: Why Rachin Ravindra can be bought by RCB?

Rachin Ravindra's father Ravi Krishnamurthy himself played cricket in the Bangalore circuit before migrating to New Zealand. A video of him visiting his grandmother in Bengaluru had gone viral during the World Cup 2023.

He had also revealed about watching the England vs New Zealand 2019 World Cup final from a bar in Bengaluru. Rachin Ravindra getting to play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would be a proud and emotional occasion for him and his family.

RCB have been a team which has focussed a lot on their branding. Arrival of Rachin Ravindra at RCB will be a story in itself and the franchise are expected to give it their all to make it happen.

RCB have released the likes of Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell and Kedar Jadhav. Rachin Ravindra has the potential to replace each of these batters. He can be RCB's latest X-factor going into the IPL 2024.