Not Rachin Ravindra! Sunil Gavaskar names Chennai Super Kings' best buy in IPL 2024 Auction
Published - 09 Feb 2024, 12:36 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
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Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar revealed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) best buy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction. Sunil Gavaskar stated that all-rounder Daryl Mitchell was the best buy during the auction, describing him as a splendid cricketer.
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings secured six players during the IPL 2024 auction. New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell was their biggest purchase at Rs. 14 crore. Mitchell had a wonderful 2023 World Cup, scoring 552 runs in nine innings with two hundreds.
The MS Dhoni-led side also signed Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman, and Aravelly Avanish Rao. Among them, Sameer Rizvi was purchased at Rs. 8.4 crore, Rachin Ravindra was bought for Rs. 1.8 crore, and Shardul Thakur for Rs. 4 crore.
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Daryl Mitchell Has Been A Splendid Cricketer – Sunil Gavaskar
In a recent conversation on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar was questioned about his opinion on CSK’s acquisitions. Gavaskar expressed his belief that Mitchell’s versatile skills make him a significant asset for the team, emphasizing his impact across the formats.
“Doesn’t matter whether I am happy or not, they have got to be happy. I think they have got a good blend over there. When you look at Daryl Mitchell, who I think has been a splendid cricketer in all forms of the game,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Daryl Mitchell Might Bowl The Odd Couple Of Overs – Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar highlighted Mitchell’s versatility and all-round abilities, citing his performance in both ODI and T20 formats. He emphasized Mitchell’s potential to contribute with the bat and the ball. He stated that Mitchell could play in various batting positions.
“The way he played in the ODI World Cup and the way he has played in the T20 format as well, with the fact that he can bowl a bit. He might not bowl you four overs but he can maybe come and bowl you the odd couple of overs,” Gavaskar stated.
“Then either at No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5, and even as a finisher at No. 5 or No. 6, he can be a very, very dangerous player. So I think that’s probably their best buy.”
Mitchell has scored 1260 runs in 63 T20Is at a formidable strike rate of 138.61. He has batted across various positions, predominantly excelling at No. 4 and No. 5. He has contributed with the ball, claiming 8 wickets with an average of 18.5 and an economy rate of 9.98.
Rachin Ravindra Can Fit In The Shoes Of Moeen Ali – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar suggested that CSK’s acquisition of Rachin Ravindra might serve as a replacement for Moeen Ali. He highlighted Ravindra’s strong performance in the recent World Cup and his ability to fill Ali’s role.
“I know the emotional buy would have been Rachin Ravindra because of the fantastic World Cup that he had. They will probably be looking to see whether he can fit in the shoes of Moeen Ali,” Gavaskar further added.
“Both of them are similar cricketers, except Moeen bowls right-handed and bats left-handed, and Rachin Ravindra bats left-handed and bowls left-handed as well. Both are outstanding fielders as well,” he concluded.
Rachin Ravindra was secured by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 1.8 crore. He delivered an outstanding performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he amassed 578 runs in 10 innings at an average of 64.22. He was the fourth-highest run scorer in that tournament.
Ravindra has scored 146 runs in 17 T20I innings at an average of 12.16 and a strike rate of 116.80, experiencing limited success with the bat. However, the all-rounder has been impressive with the ball, claiming 11 wickets in 13 innings at an economy rate of 6.67.
