CSK made significant acquisitions at the IPL 2024 auction, securing six players: Rachin Ravindra (Rs. 1.8 crore), Shardul Thakur (Rs. 4 crore), Daryl Mitchell (Rs. 14 crore), Sameer Rizvi (Rs. 8.40 crore), Mustafizur Rahman (Rs. 2 crore), and Avanish Rao Aravelly (Rs. 20 lakh). In preparation for potential player absences, they focused on bolstering their squad depth. Unfortunately, they faced a setback as Devon Conway sustained a thumb injury, causing him to miss the initial phase of IPL 2024. This injury also sidelined him during the Australia Tests preceding the IPL. Despite this setback, CSK appears to have a well-rounded bowling lineup. As they gear up for their first match at home, their reliance seems to be primarily on their spinners to deliver impactful performances.
RCB took a proactive approach in the IPL 2024 auction, securing seven players with a focus on strengthening their bowling lineup. Among their acquisitions were Alzarri Joseph (Rs. 11.50 crore), Yash Dayal (Rs. 5 crore), Tom Curran (Rs. 1.5 crore), Lockie Ferguson (Rs. 2 crore), Swapnil Singh (Rs. 20 lakhs), and Saurav Chauhan (Rs. 20 lakh). However, despite their efforts, the bowling issues persist for the team. The absence of a notable Indian spinner in their squad only exacerbates their challenges. RCB’s decision to release Yuzvendra Chahal before IPL 2022, along with letting go of players like Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga before the IPL 2024 auction, has left a void in their spin department. Once again, the pressure falls on the shoulders of the batters to perform. With the likes of Kohli, Faf, and Maxwell comprising the top three, they’ll be expected to carry the bulk of the run-scoring responsibility for RCB.
