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'All For Under 20 Crores' - Simon Doull Applauds CSK For Daylight Robbery During IPL Auction

image-lqerlrhzCSK AT IPL 2024 Auction (X.com)

The eight-hour-long IPL 2024 auction concluded at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on 19th December 2023, and teams subsequently locked their respective 25-member squad.

While there were a lot of gainers and losers, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played the underdogs to fetch some of the best all-round talent, that too in a steal deal, says former cricketer and commentator Simon Doull.

During a Star Sports Show, Doull explained that CSK managed to bag Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur, and Daryl Mitchell for under 20 crores which is a big achievement given the high-stakes nature of the auction.

"Think about getting Rachin Ravindra, Shardul Thakur and Daryl Mitchell, all for under 20 crores, the quality of all-round ability that those three possess. Don't forget that Shardul is a genuine all-rounder. He can win you games with the bat and with the ball," Doull said to Star Sports.

While the Kiwi sensation was surprisingly sold for a low price of 1.8 crores, Thakur fetched a handsome 4 crore contract. While CSK had to fight a long battle for Mitchell, the bid was settled for 14 crores.

Still, Simon Doull thinks CSK has the best all-rounder depth compared to rival teams. 


Shardul Thakur To Be CSK's X Factor?

The former cricketer further added that people tend to underestimate Shardul Thakur’s ability to make an impact from both ends of the ball. He is a genuine all-rounder who can win team matches single-handedly. 

Also, Thakur previously flourished under MS Dhoni’s leadership and made a name for himself. Thus, Simon expects the Indian all-rounder to emulate the same this time around.

"Under MS Dhoni, he would thrive. Very few players go to Chennai and come away a lesser player. They all go there and improve or play as well as they have ever played and I think that's something that we will see with Shardul Thakur," Doull added.

Having said that, Doull also talked about how IPL is yet to see the best of Daryl Mitchell. The Kiwi all-rounder is a great white ball player, and Doull hopes to see a good run from him in IPL 2024.

Mitchell, indeed, has not had the opportunity to unleash his fury in the IPL. He played two games last season and scored a mere 33 runs at a strike rate of 75. 

"I am so pleased for Daryl Mitchell. He is a seriously talented player. I don't think the IPL has seen the best of him. Will he get a decent run - maybe," Simon Doull concluded.

CSK have added responsibility going into 2024 as they have to defend the title. The five-time champions, under the leadership of legend MS Dhoni, would aim to maximize the squad strength to lift a record-breaking sixth IPL trophy.