Josh Inglis, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter, has been in sensational form in the T20 format. He recently scored a brilliant century against India in Vizag, showcasing his skills against both pace and spin. With the IPL 2024 auction approaching, Inglis could be one of the most sought-after players in the event. Here are five teams that could target him for the upcoming season:
Chennai Super Kings:
The defending champions might be looking for a backup option for MS Dhoni, who is uncertain about his future. Inglis could also replace the retired Ambati Rayudu in the middle order, providing stability and power-hitting. CSK have a strong Indian core and can afford to spend on an overseas player like Inglis.
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
RCB had a poor season in IPL 2023, finishing eighth in the points table. They lacked a reliable wicketkeeper and a consistent middle-order batter. Inglis could solve both these problems for them, adding firepower to their lineup. He could also complement the likes of Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell in the batting department.
Delhi Capitals:
DC had a disastrous season in IPL 2023, ending up at the bottom of the table. They suffered a huge blow when Rishabh Pant met with a car accident and missed the entire season. They tried various options for the wicketkeeping role, but none of them impressed. Inglis could be the ideal replacement for Pant, offering a dynamic batting style and a safe pair of hands behind the stumps.
Kolkata Knight Riders:
KKR had a decent season in IPL 2023, finishing fourth in the points table. However, they might want to bolster their batting unit, which was heavily dependent on Shubman Gill and Eoin Morgan. Inglis could slot in at No.3 or No.4, giving them more depth and flexibility. He could also take over the wicketkeeping duties from Dinesh Karthik, who is nearing the end of his career.
Rajasthan Royals:
RR had a mixed season in IPL 2023, finishing sixth in the points table. They had a strong top order, led by Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson, but their middle order was fragile and inconsistent. Inglis could strengthen their middle order, providing them with more options and balance. He could also share the wicketkeeping responsibilities with Samson, who could focus more on his batting.
Josh Inglis is a valuable asset in the T20 format, with his explosive batting and wicketkeeping skills. He could be a game-changer for any IPL team that acquires him in the auction. He has proven himself in various conditions and leagues, and could be a hot property in the IPL 2024 auction.