IPL 2023 Auction preview: Available purses & strategy for each franchise

10 IPL franchises will participate in the 2023 auction which gets underway on today in Kochi.

Let’s take a look at the focus areas each franchise and how much money they can spend.

Chennai Super Kings (INR 20.45 cr):

Death overs bowling was one of CSK’s biggest concerns in the IPL 2022.

With Dwayne Bravo no longer in their ranks, CSK will try to find a pacer who can fill in that gap.

Nobody, apart from Sam Curran currently fits the bill.

Delhi Capitals (INR 19.5cr): 

The batting looks weak.

Though Delhi have the likes of Prithvi Shaw and David Warner at the top, they need to add more depth.

If Rishabh Pant gets injured, they don’t have a replacement for the position of wicket-keeper batter.

Someone like Sherfane Rutherford, Rilee Roussouw or Travis Head will be ideal.

Gujarat Titans (INR 19.25cr):

Gujarat Titans have decided to release Jason Roy and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, owing to their sub-optimal performances last year. 

They also need a quality fast bowler.

We expect the Titans to go for Jhye Richardson and Kylie Jamieson, apart from batters like Mayank Agarwal and Joe Root.

Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 7.05cr):

After already trading Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson for big-money moves, KKR have a limited purse.

They do need an overseas batting option, so someone like Tom Latham or Reeza Hendriks could be an option.

Lucknow Super Giants (INR 23.25cr):

Lucknow Super Giants have 2 big issues.

One, they lack quality in the middle order.

Two, the absence of quality all-rounders is also a big concern as none of their top bowlers – Wood, Avesh and Bishnoi can bat.

So we expect them to go all out for Ben Stokes or Jason Holder.

Mumbai Indians (INR 20.55cr):

Lack of quality Indian bowlers, barring Jasprit Bumrah, has been a glaring weakness area.

Roping in quality Indian bowlers and strengthening the middle order is going to be the focus for MI.

Expect them to bid aggressively for Ben Stokes and impact players like Zadran or Nabi of Afghanistan.

Punjab King (INR 32.30cr):

This is a franchise that needs the maximum amount of fixing.

Quality Indian talent, both in the bowling and batting unit, is what Punjab need at the moment.

It’s hard to predict their strategy but a move for Mayank Agarwal, who was released by the franchise and pacers like Ishant Sharma, Shivam Mavi and Sandeep Sharma is possible.

Rajasthan Royals (INR 13.20cr):

RR had a sterling run in the last IPL and have a fairly balanced squad.

They will try to some some depth in all areas by adding some all-rounders like Cameron Green, Jason Holder or Daniel Sams.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (INR 8.75cr):

They need a backup left-arm pacer to add variety to the attack.

A death bowler will also be on their wishlist.

Don’t be surprised if they go for Reece Topley or Dilshan Madushanka.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (INR 42.25cr):

The team with the biggest purse balance, Hyderabad enter the auction with almost all areas to address.

With Kane Williamson out, they also need a few captaincy candidates.

Finishers, all-rounders, bowlers and middle-order batters – SRH need them all!

So a possible strategy is go for high impact utility all-rounders like Ben Stokes, Cameron Green and Shakib Al Hasan.