We take a look at the problem areas each franchise would look to address on Friday, ahead of the IPL 2023 auction in Kochi.
    Chennai Super Kings (INR 20.45 crore): Death overs bowling was one of CSK’s main concerns heading into the IPL 2022. With Dwayne Bravo no longer on the roster, the team would look for a pacer to fill the void, and no one, with the exception of Sam Curran, arguably fits the bill.
    Delhi Capitals (INR 19.5cr): Despite having Prithvi Shaw and David Warner at the top, Delhi needs another top-order batter to add depth to the squad. A backup wicket-keeper for Rishabh Pant is also required. Team members such as Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Litton Das, and Dasun Shanaka can assist.
    Gujarat Titans (INR 19.25 crore): Like Delhi, the Gujarat Titans require another top-order batter after releasing Jason Roy and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Mayank Agarwal could be their best bet to fill that void, but they will also need to bring in a quality overseas pacer.
    Kolkata Knight Riders ($7.05 million): After acquiring Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson in big-money trades, KKR can only afford to spend at the auction on backups. They do require an overseas batting option as well as a couple of other backup batters. However, financial constraints are likely to be a major impediment.
    Lucknow Super Giants (INR 23.25 crore): The Lucknow Super Giants’ middle-order batting is a source of concern. The lack of quality all-rounders is also a major concern, as none of their top bowlers can bat (Wood, Avesh, Bishnoi, and Mohsin). Sam Curran is unquestionably the player who best fits the bill for them.
    Mumbai Indians (INR 20.55 crore): With the exception of Jasprit Bumrah, one of Mumbai’s major concerns has been a lack of quality Indian bowlers. At the auction, MI will prioritise bringing in reliable Indian bowlers (both spinners and pacers).
    Punjab King (INR 32.30cr): Punjab is in desperate need of quality Indian talent (both in the bowling and batting units). A move for Mayank Agarwal, who was released by the franchise, is not out of the question, and pacers like Ishant Sharma, Shivam Mavi, Sandeep Sharma, and others could also be on the table.
    Rajasthan Royals (INR 13.20 crore): The last edition’s runners-up have almost all areas covered but would like to add some depth to the roster. Overseas stars such as Cameron Green, Josh Philippe, Jason Holder, Sikandar Raza, Daniel Sams, and others may be on their radar.
    Royal Challengers Bangalore (INR 8.75 crore): At the auction, RCB may prioritise a backup left-arm pacer and a backup left-hand batter. With their home games being held in Bengaluru this time, a quality death bowler is also required.
    Sunrisers Hyderabad (INR 42.25 crore): The team with the largest purse balance, Hyderabad, enters the auction with nearly all areas to address. They also require a few captaincy candidates with Kane Williamson out. Finishers and middle-order bats are also on their wish list. Players like Ben Stokes, Cameron Green, Shakib Al Hasan, and Sikandar Raza are possible targets for SRH.

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