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Travis Head (Source: Twitter)
The 2023 ODI World Cup final hero Travis Head is currently one of the most valuable players in the market. The Australian opener has had a glorious campaign in the premier white-ball tournament and is expected to fetch a huge sum during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction.
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A lot of franchises are sure to throw their nets for him on December 19, but it remains to be seen how many will be able to mount a bidding war. Head has put himself in the highest base price category of Rs 2 crore and may reach an all-time high. The southpaw has previously represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals in the cash-rich league.
He was not at his best in those seasons as he managed to score just 205 runs in 10 matches with a top score of 75* and took two wickets. However, things have changed a lot now and he is expected to be in high demand in the IPL 2024 auction. On that note, let's take a look at 5 teams that might target Travis Head in the auction.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
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Last season, SRH tried England's Harry Brook as an opener and in the middle order. Barring a century, the right-hander was a complete flop and the management decided to drop him ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. Travis Head can be a like-to-like replacement for Brook as the Australian can bat as an opener or in the middle order. The Hyderabad-based franchise has Rs 34 crore in its purse and might go for him.
4. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
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Bringing their former player into the line-up might solve RCB's middle-order woes in IPL 2024. The presence of a left-hander at No. 4 or 5 will be a huge addition for them. With Faf du Plessis likely to hang up his boots in the near future, Head could be a great acquisition as he can play as an opener. The Aussie star can also contribute with his bowling skills as well as do the wicketkeeping job. RCB has 23.25 crores in their purse.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
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KKR released two of their foreign players Liton Das and Shakib Al Hasan. KKR might go for him in the auction as Head can take up the role of both the Bangladeshi cricketers. The Australian can replace Das as an opener and at the same time Shakib as an all-rounder. If Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes off-colour, Head can open the innings along with Jason Roy and destroy the opposition. KKR has Rs 32.7 crore remaining in its purse.
2. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
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With Joe Root pulling out of the competition and Devdutt Padikkal traded to LSG, RR have a vacancy. With Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal taking up the opening roles, Head can play as a middle-order batter. The 29-year-old can also contribute with the ball, making him a valuable asset to the team. PBKS have Rs 14.5 crore in their purse and they might utilize it effectively.
1. Delhi Capitals (DC)
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DC have released Rovman Powell, Rilee Rossouw and Phil Salt ahead of the auction. The Delhi-based franchise has Rs 28.95 crore left in its purse and can get the services of Head in the auction in exchange for the three mentioned above. If Prithvi Shaw is struggling, the Aussie star can open alongside David Warner and destroy the opposition bowlers.