Following an exceptional World Cup 2023, where he became the first player to score three centuries on his debut WC, Rachin Ravindra is expected to be a name that could cause chaos in the IPL 2024 auction. Carrying the ability to both bat and ball, the Kiwi all-rounder would be a welcome addition to every franchise. And regarding the same, a former India opener has opined which IPL team could go all out for him.

3 things you need to know

• Rachin Ravindra scored a total of 523 runs in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023
• Ravindra completed three centuries for New Zealand
• The Kiwi all-rounder could start a bidding war in the upcoming IPL 2024 auctions

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Abhinav Mukund reasons why Punjab Kings could emerge as the top bidders for Rachin Ravindra

Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund stated why Punjab Kings should sign talented New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra. Mukund stated on Jio Cinema on Monday, 18 December, that Punjab have a habit of spending a lot of money on players who have played well at the international level in recent times, and he believes Rachin is a perfect fit for the franchise.

Rachin emerged as a prominent performer in the ODI World Cup 2023, leaving a lasting impression with his outstanding batting. In his debut World Cup campaign, the New Zealand all-rounder amassed a stunning 578 runs in just 10 games at an average of 64.22. Three century and two half-centuries were among his batting achievements. Rachin not only became New Zealand's highest run-scorer in the event, but he also finished fourth overall in the scoring statistics. Rachin's contributions were not restricted to batting, as the teenager took 5 wickets in the competition to cement his position as a genuine all-rounder in the Kiwi team.

"Usually Punjab Kings like the flavor of the season. It's a fact that there has been a recency bias in terms of the World Cup. Understandable that his T20 numbers are probably not off the (charts) yet, but (there's) enough evidence of what he can do in India and with Baristow's unavailability for the later part of the season. Not sure about the English players, I went for a Kiwi," Mukund said during Jio Cinema's mock auction on Monday.

Mukund lauded Rachin Ravindra for the way he approached his innings in the sub continent.

"So it's a fight between Bairstow and Rachin at the top, but it's always good to have a left-hander in that middle order because there are too many righties. Bairstow, Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma," Mukund said.

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Ravindra's base price is just Rs 50 lakhs

Despite his remarkable performances, Rachin startled many by putting himself up for auction at a relatively low price of Rs. 50 lakh.

With his recent World Cup exploits, he is likely to fetch a substantially greater price during the auction. A potentially lucrative bidding war might be started to get the 24-year-old's services. Rachin's impressive performances in the ODI World Cup have put him on the international radar. The Indian Premier League franchises are expected to compete for the New Zealand all-rounder.