Finn Allen, the New Zealand opening batsman, seems to have successfully navigated through a challenging phase and is now on the verge of realizing his full potential. In the ongoing home series against Pakistan, Allen’s outstanding performance in the third T20I saw him amass 137 runs off just 62 deliveries, setting a new record for the highest T20I score by a New Zealand batter. Additionally, he equaled the record for the most sixes in a T20I innings. His explosive innings contributed significantly to New Zealand’s victory, as they secured the series with a 45-run win and two games to spare.
Despite his remarkable form, Allen’s absence from the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) is perplexing, especially considering the opportunity for other in-form T20 players to showcase their skills in the prestigious league. Despite being a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2021 to 2023, Allen did not get a chance to play a match in the IPL. Furthermore, he went unsold in the recent 2024 IPL mini-auction.
Given his exceptional form and T20 prowess, it’s intriguing to consider three IPL teams where Finn Allen would have been a valuable addition in 2024.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans (GT) emerge as an ideal fit for Finn Allen, especially considering their upcoming crucial campaign post Hardik Pandya’s unexpected departure and Shubman Gill’s captaincy role. As the reigning Orange Cap holder and team leader, Gill occupies one slot in the top order, leaving uncertainties about the opening partner. Although Matthew Wade and Wriddhiman Saha have shown promise in sporadic performances, neither seems a sustainable option in the long run.
Given the presence of Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, and David Miller as other overseas candidates, the inclusion of Finn Allen could have been a judicious and cost-effective decision for GT in the auction. While an alternative strategy might involve Gill opening with Sai Sudharsan, creating a left-hand-right-hand combination, it lacks the dynamic firepower that a pairing of Gill and Allen could have provided.
Considering Williamson slated to bat at No.3, there exists a potential void in explosiveness at the top of the order for GT, a gap Finn Allen could have effectively filled, offering a formidable combination of power and affordability.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) grapple with a persistent issue concerning their opening combination, reflecting the challenges seen in their overall performances in recent seasons. The search for a suitable replacement for Shubman Gill at the top of the order has been a struggle for KKR. While the potential partnership of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer appears promising for the upcoming 2024 season, the team lacks credible alternatives on the bench.
Jason Roy’s form has declined from his previous heights, and Sunil Narine is no longer a viable option at the top of the order. In light of these challenges, Finn Allen would have been a valuable addition to the two-time champions. This is especially noteworthy considering Gurbaz’s less-than-ideal performance in his debut IPL campaign last year. Allen’s inclusion could have provided KKR with a reliable and dynamic option at the top, addressing their longstanding concerns in the opening slots.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) face a notable challenge in establishing stability at the top of their batting order. Despite being finalists in the 2014 IPL, the team has witnessed significant changes, particularly in the opening partnership that once featured Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal.
Presently, PBKS is exploring options to pair with Shikhar Dhawan, including Jonny Bairstow, Atharva Taide, and Prabhsimran Singh. However, all have been experimented with, and none have proven to be a sustainable choice. While Bairstow appears promising on paper, his lackluster performance in the 2022 season and his absence in the 2023 edition raise concerns about his reliability. Additionally, Prabhsimran’s inconsistency and Taide’s relative inexperience further contribute to uncertainties in the top order.
Finn Allen could have seamlessly fit into the opening partnership alongside Shikhar Dhawan, offering the team a robust left-hand-right-hand combination. Moreover, with Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Kagiso Rabada occupying the other three overseas slots, PBKS has an available overseas position that Allen could have filled, enhancing the team’s batting depth and addressing concerns at the top order.
