/betbarter/media/agency_attachments/3YXcMKaocLoKtpo5Mw2o.png)
/betbarter/media/media_files/zfssUkD7sCpXpgYu2vVx.png)
New Zealand players for IPL 2024 (File Photo: Twitter)
The build-up for the upcoming IPL 2024 mini-auction is getting intensified as the stage is set for players to be placed in the auction for the next edition of the cash-rich Indian franchise tournament. Meanwhile, there are a couple of players who are in contention to get the big bids in the mini-auction for the 2024 edition.
Among these, the eyes will also be on the in-form New Zealand players who have performed quite well recently, be it international cricket or other forms of cricket.
With said that, here we’ll have a look at the 5 New Zealand cricketers who might be targeted specifically by the participating teams during the auction.
Rachin Ravindra
The young sensational all-rounder from Wellington, Rachin Ravindra stunned the entire cricketing fraternity with his masterclass performances in the ODI World Cup 2023. He scored 578 runs with the bat in 10 innings of the 10 matches, he played for New Zealand in the prestigious cricket quadrennial.
The 23-year-old ended up as the fourth leading run-scorer in the tournament and also surpassed the former legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar to score the most runs in an ODI World Cup edition before turning 25. He might be one of the most expensive bids during the IPL 2024 mini-auction.
Lockie Ferguson
The veteran Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson was quite impressive with the ball for New Zealand in the given chances during the ODI World Cup 2023. He played 7 matches and got a chance to bowl in all matches, scalping 10 wickets with a best performance of 3/19. His sheer pace is also something that attracts the eyeballs of everyone.
He is one of those few pacers who are capable of setting new bars in terms of bowling speed, alongside some other names like Anrich Nortje of South Africa and India’s youngster Umran Malik. Owing to his current performances, Lockie could be a potential big deal in the IPL 2024 mini-auction.
Michael Bracewell
The Kiwi all-rounder couldn’t make it to the World Cup squad of New Zealand due to the injury. Last time, he was in action during the Vitality Blast 2023, playing for Worcestershire. He produced some good performances both with bat and ball.
He was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore during the Indian Premier League 2023; the 32-year-old played 5 matches and picked 6 wickets with the ball, alongside scoring only 26 runs in 4 innings. Apart from the lean patch due to the injuries, Bracewell’s skillset could be a big reason for the franchises to get him on board with them.
James Neesham
Star Kiwi all-rounder James Neesham has always stunned everyone with heroic performances on the field while playing for his side. He was one of the key performers for New Zealand in their run to the semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023. Currently, Neesham is in action for Auckland in New Zealand’s domestic List-A tournament, The Ford Trophy.
He recently smashed an unbeaten knock of 81 runs helping Auckland to win the match by 10 runs against Wellington in a rain-affected 15th match of the Ford Trophy. Neesham is expected to earn a big amount during the mini-auction for the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League.
Kyle Jamieson
Kyle Jamieson has been away from white-ball cricket since he played his last ODI against Bangladesh, in which he scalped 2 wickets with the ball and scored 20 runs with the bat. He was recently in action for New Zealand in the Test series against Bangladesh, where he could scalp 2 wickets with the ball.
But his comeback on the field of cricket is also good news for both New Zealand and the IPL franchises. So, considering his all-round abilities both with bat and ball, teams might count on him to be a part of their squad for the next IPL season.