IPL auctions: 3 franchises poised for a bidding war over Pat Cummins

The IPL's mini-auctions are scheduled to commence in Dubai today (December 19) at 1 pm IST, featuring a list of 333 players categorised for bidding across various segments. 

Among the players generating significant interest is the Australian all-rounder, Pat Cummins, whose outstanding form and leadership skills, highlighted by his recent World Cup success with the Australian team, have captivated the attention of IPL franchises.

There are three franchises primed to engage in an intense bidding war for Pat Cummins, who is set at an initial bid of Rs 2 crore.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

• SRH, reeling from two lackluster seasons, is fervently seeking a player capable of spearheading the team towards a playoff berth.
• While Aiden Markram was entrusted with captaincy, the South African all-rounder hasn’t significantly reversed the team's fortunes.
• The departure of Rashid Khan from their ranks has left SRH facing a dearth of quality spinners and dependable batsmen.
• Possessing a substantial purse of Rs 34 crore, SRH is prepared to engage in a fierce bidding contest, willing to escalate the bid for Cummins up to Rs 10 crore.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

• RCB, vying for their maiden IPL title, aims to strengthen their squad by acquiring an accomplished bowling all-rounder and an experienced captain.
• Following the transition in leadership from Virat Kohli to Faf Du Plessis, RCB’s performance remained subpar, securing sixth position in the last season with seven losses in 14 matches.
• The inclusion of Cummins would offer RCB a potential captain and enhance their bowling lineup, an area where the team faces deficiencies, especially after the release of Harshal Patel and Josh Hazlewood.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

• LSG, lacking viable alternatives for captaincy beyond KL Rahul, is eager to secure Cummins to take over leadership duties in select matches or possibly the upcoming season.
• Despite consecutive failures to reach the finals in the last two seasons, finishing third, LSG faced adversity due to KL Rahul's injury during the latter stages of the preceding IPL, resulting in two consecutive defeats and missing the finals.
• The team is keen on Cummins due to his commendable leadership acumen, despite facing challenges with the lowest purse in the auction, amounting to Rs 13.5 crore.
• As the IPL auctions commence, a spirited bidding contest for Cummins among rival franchises is anticipated, with LSG's bidding strategy potentially influenced by the competition surrounding Cummins' acquisition.