IPL 2024 is soon entering its business end. All the teams have played at least 10 out of their 14 league stage matches. Mumbai Indians have been eliminated from the competition, but the other nine teams are still alive in the race to the championship.
As always, there were many instances of players being unavailable in IPL due to injuries or other reasons. The franchises have had the option to sign a replacement from the unsold lot. The decision to sign Shamar Joseph and Dushamantha Chameera as replacements for Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson has not helped the Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders one bit.
However, here’s a look at the two unsold players from the IPL 2024 Auction who surprised everyone after getting a contract as a replacement.
1. Jake Fraser McGurk has been the find of IPL 2024 for Delhi Capitals
With David Warner struggling for form and Mitchell Marsh suffering from an injury, Delhi Capitals desperately needed someone to step up and deliver the goods in the top-order of the team. They also lost Harry Brook because of his personal reasons.
Then, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi got injured, allowing DC to sign a replacement. They roped in Jake Fraser McGurk, who has been absolutely phenomenal for the team. His six-hitting abilities have instilled new hope and confidence in the DC squad.
2. Phil Salt
While Dushmantha Chameera’s signing has not benefited the Kolkata Knight Riders much, the decision to rope in Phil Salt as a replacement for Jason Roy has proved to be a masterstroke. Salt has won many awards while playing for KKR already, and the England batter is among the top run-scorers of the competition as well.
