Former Indian pacer RP Singh has commended the Chennai Super Kings for securing Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur as the standout acquisition at the IPL 2024 auction. Thakur, with three previous seasons at CSK, was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 10.50 crore, later traded to Kolkata Knight Riders, and eventually returned to CSK for Rs 4 crore.
RP Singh, speaking to Jio Cinema, praised CSK for acquiring Thakur at an excellent price, highlighting his versatile skills as an Indian fast bowler and his significant batting contributions. Singh suggested that CSK could have allocated a higher budget for Thakur, declaring him as the best purchase for the franchise.
According to Singh, Thakur’s addition not only strengthened CSK’s squad but also provided financial flexibility for pursuing other players.
Singh noted that this strategic move allowed CSK to save funds, enabling them to pursue additional players, including the bold acquisition of uncapped batsman Sameer Rizvi for Rs 8.4 crore in the IPL 2024 auction. Rizvi’s hefty price tag was 42 times his base price, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.
“I believe Shardul Thakur is a valuable addition due to his skills as an Indian fast bowler with variations and his significant contribution to batting. Given these factors, the Chennai Super Kings acquired him at a favourable price.
“Acquiring Shardul at that cost expanded Chennai’s choices. They saved funds, enabling them to pursue additional players and extend their pursuit of Rizvi. In my view, Shardul Thakur stood out as the top purchase for Chennai,” added RP Singh.
