IPL 2024 Auction: Suresh Raina Gives Savage Reply To Mike Hesson Over CSK Targeting Josh Hazlewood

Suresh Raina feels that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will bid for Josh Hazlewood during the IPL 2024 auction. However, the Australian pacer is expected to miss the first half of the season due to the birth of his child.

Hence, when Mike Hesson doubted Suresh Raina’s pick over his unavailability in the tournament during the first half, Raina gave a savage reply. Suresh Raina said that Chennai Super Kings will reach the playoffs by that time and then they will need Josh Hazlewood in the playoffs.

Josh Hazlewood was part of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021 when the franchise won the title. He was dropped ahead of the IPL 2021 mega auction. Later, RCB picked him up during the IPL 2022 auction. Ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, RCB released the Aussie pacer from their squad.

Also Read: Pat Cummins Bought By SRH For 20.50 Crores In IPL Auction 2024, Becomes Most Expensive Player In IPL Auction History

Suresh Raina Gives Savage Reply To Mike Hesson

During a conversation on Jio Cinema, Suresh Raina discussed Chennai Super Kings’ possible targets during the IPL 2024 auction. He felt that CSK would bid for Hazlewood as he could strengthen the pace attack.

“Hazlewood is a great fit for CSK’s plans. Being a former CSK bowler, it’s like coming back home under Mahi Bhai. He strengthens the pace attack significantly and serves as an ideal backup for injured pacers. CSK will bid for him, completing our bowling lineup,” Raina said.

To this, Mike Hesson questioned Suresh Raina’s opinions by noting that Josh Hazlewood will miss the second half of the season. However, Raina replied that CSK would have reached playoffs by that time.

“That’s quite interesting. He won’t be around for the initial three weeks of the IPL. CSK will secure a playoff spot by then, so we only require him for the second phase of the IPL,” the former CSK star further added.

Suresh Raina is a former CSK player who played for the team since the debut edition in 2008 to IPL 2021. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has set a base price of Rs. 2 crore in IPL 2024 auction.

He has been part of the tournament since the 2020 season and played in every edition post that. The right-arm pacer could only play 3 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore last year, picking 3 wickets at a 25.33 average.

Also Read: Shardul Thakur Bought By CSK For Rs 4 Crores In IPL Auction 2024

CSK Has Rs. 31.40 Crore For IPL 2024 Auction

The IPL 2024 auction takes place on Tuesday, December 19 in Dubai. A total of 332 players have signed up for the auction. Chennai Super Kings have 19 players in their current squad. They have spent Rs. 68.60 crores till now.

They can grab 6 more players during the auction. The five-time champions can only grab 3 overseas players. CSK has an available budget of Rs. 31.40 crore. MS Dhoni will lead the side in IPL 2024. CSK are the defending champions of IPL 2024. They won the last edition by defeating Gujarat Titans in the final.