There are 3 Teams in the IPL 2024 where Finn Allen would have been a perfect fit. Titans of Gujarat
In the world of cricket, Finn Allen, the explosive New Zealand opening batter, has been making waves with his exceptional performances. His recent home series against Pakistan showcased his true potential, with a record-breaking knock in the third T20I. Allen’s 137 runs off just 62 deliveries not only made him the highest-scoring New Zealand batter in T20Is but also equaled the record for the most sixes scored in a T20I innings. Despite his incredible form, Allen surprisingly went unsold in the 2024 IPL mini-auction. In this article, we will explore three teams where Finn Allen could have been a great fit in the IPL 2024.
#1 Gujarat Titans
One team that would have greatly benefited from Finn Allen’s explosive batting prowess is the Gujarat Titans (GT). With the departure of Hardik Pandya, the IPL 2022 champions are in need of a solid opening partner for their captain, Shubman Gill. While players like Matthew Wade and Wriddhiman Saha have shown promise in patches, neither can be considered a credible long-term option. GT already boasts the likes of Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, and David Miller as their overseas players, making Allen a perfect addition to their lineup.
Another option GT can consider is Gill opening the innings with Sai Sudharsan, providing a left-hand-right-hand combination. However, this approach lacks the explosive power that Gill and Allen could bring together. With Williamson coming in at No.3, GT currently lacks explosiveness at the top, which Allen could have provided at a reasonable price.
#2 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been struggling to find a stable opening combination for quite some time. Despite having promising players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer, they lack reliable options on the bench. Jason Roy, once a formidable opener, has not been in the best form, and Sunil Narine is no longer a viable choice at the top. This is where Finn Allen could have been a great fit for the two-time champions.
Pairing Allen with Gurbaz or Iyer would have given KKR a dynamic opening duo. Gurbaz had a disappointing debut campaign in the IPL last year, and Allen’s explosive batting could have provided the necessary support and stability. With Allen’s inclusion, KKR would have had a strong foundation at the top of their batting order.
#3 Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have also struggled to find a solid opening partnership in recent years. While they had a successful combination in Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal a couple of years ago, the current options of Jonny Bairstow, Atharva Taide, and Prabhsimran Singh have not consistently delivered. Bairstow’s ordinary performance in the 2022 season and his absence in the 2023 edition make him an unreliable choice. Prabhsimran’s inconsistency and Taide’s inexperience further exacerbate PBKS’s woes.
Finn Allen’s inclusion in the PBKS lineup would have provided a strong left-hand-right-hand combination alongside Shikhar Dhawan. With overseas slots available, PBKS could have easily accommodated Allen alongside Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Kagiso Rabada. Allen’s explosive batting style and ability to dominate the opposition would have given PBKS the stability and firepower they desperately need at the top.
Conclusion
Finn Allen’s exceptional performances in the home series against Pakistan have showcased his true potential as an explosive opening batter. However, his absence in the 2024 IPL despite his outstanding form is perplexing. Teams like the Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings could have greatly benefited from Allen’s explosive batting style and ability to dominate the opposition. With his inclusion, these teams would have gained stability, power, and a solid opening partnership. Hopefully, in the near future, Finn Allen will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the IPL and make a lasting impact in the world of T20 cricket.
