Published on December 21st, 2023
Here are 5 takeaways: Starc’s Stellar KKR Triumph!
- Record-breaking Bids for Fast Bowlers
- Notable Returns and High Earnings for Players
- Varied Strategies by Franchises
- Uncapped Players Making a Mark
- Shifts in Player Loyalties and Smart Buys
Mitchell Starc made history on December 19 by becoming the costliest signing in IPL history, joining Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering INR 24.75 crores in the IPL 2024 auction.
KKR’s record-breaking bid exceeded the INR 20.50 crores paid by Sunrisers Hyderabad for his compatriot Pat Cummins in the same auction.
This marked the first time two players breached the INR 20 crore mark in IPL auction history, surpassing Sam Curran’s INR 18.50 crores payout the previous year.
Starc, absent from the IPL for eight years, had previously been signed by KKR for INR 9.40 crores in 2018 but missed the season due to a leg injury.
He was later released amid contractual disputes with Cricket Australia. Despite a challenging bidding war with Gujarat Titans at Dubai’s Coca Cola Arena, KKR secured the services of the 33-year-old left-arm pacer known for his white-ball prowess.
Reflecting on his return, Starc expressed humility, stating, “It’s obviously humbling to still, I guess, feel like I’m wanted or needed anyway.”
He highlighted his focus on international cricket, especially Test cricket, and emphasized the opportunity to contribute to KKR’s success in the upcoming IPL season.
Starc also acknowledged the quieter international schedule, making the IPL and the upcoming T20 World Cup significant platforms for competitive T20 cricket against world-class players.
Big Payday For The Fast Men
The IPL 2024 auction saw a fierce competition for overseas fast bowlers, with Mitchell Starc setting a record by joining Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 24.75 crores.
Prior to Starc’s acquisition, Pat Cummins was highly sought after, eventually securing a deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Despite Cummins’ stellar year with Australia, his IPL performance has been modest, with 45 wickets in 42 games at an economy of 8.54.
Royal Challengers Bangalore, missing out on Cummins, invested INR 11.50 crores in West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph.
Harshal Patel became the highest-paid Indian player of the day, with Punjab Kings winning the bid at INR 11.75 crores.
Gujarat Titans, armed with the largest purse, made a late big-money signing by acquiring Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson for INR 10 crores, fending off competition from Delhi Capitals.
Among Indian seamers, Lucknow Super Giants signed Shivam Mavi for INR 6.40 crores, while Gujarat Titans secured Umesh Yadav and Chennai Super Kings signed Shardul Thakur for INR 5.80 crores and INR 4 crores, respectively.
Mumbai Indians added fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee, Nuwan Thushara, and Dilshan Madushanka at more modest price tags, INR 5 crores, 4.8 crores, and 4.6 crores, respectively.
The Five Highest Bids At The Auction
The table provides a summary of the prices (in crores) for key players and the teams they were acquired by in the IPL 2024 auction:
Mitchell Starc (KKR):
- Price: 24.75 crores
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, became the highest-priced player in the auction, securing a deal with KKR for a staggering 24.75 crores.
Pat Cummins (SRH):
- Price: 20.5 crores
- Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Pat Cummins, the Australian fast bowler and captain, was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 20.5 crores, making him one of the top-priced players in the auction.
Daryl Mitchell (CSK):
- Price: 14 crores
- Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Daryl Mitchell, a New Zealand all-rounder, joined Chennai Super Kings for a price of 14 crores in the auction.
Harshal Patel (PBKS):
- Price: 11.75 crores
- Team: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Harshal Patel, an Indian fast bowler, became the highest-priced Indian player in the auction, securing a deal with Punjab Kings for 11.75 crores.
Alzarri Joseph (RCB):
- Price: 11.5 crores
- Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Alzarri Joseph, a fast bowler from the West Indies, was acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a price of 11.5 crores.
These prices reflect the significant investments made by the respective teams in these players, emphasizing their perceived value and the competition among teams to secure their services for the upcoming IPL season.
World Cup Stars Get Gigs
In addition to the fast bowlers, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell secured a substantial bid of INR 14 crores from the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
CSK also added another Kiwi player, World Cup star Rachin Ravindra, to their squad at a more modest price of INR 1.8 crores.
Both Mitchell and Ravindra had impressive performances during New Zealand’s recent World Cup campaign, with Mitchell hitting two centuries against India, and 23-year-old Ravindra becoming the first Kiwi batter to score three World Cup centuries in a single edition.
Travis Head, absent from the IPL since 2017, attracted a bid of INR 6.80 crores from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) following his notable contributions at the World Cup, including a century in the final against India.
Rajasthan Royals, known for their early moves in the auction, spent over half of their purse to acquire Rovman Powell for INR 7.4 crores, aiming to strengthen their lower-middle order.
The Royals also targeted English batting sensation Harry Brook for a second consecutive year but withdrew from the bidding, allowing Delhi Capitals to secure him at a reduced price of INR 4 crores, down from the INR 13.25 crores he received from the Sunrisers last year.
Read More: The IPL Auction 2024: ODI World Cup Performers Make Waves
Rizvi Leads Uncapped Players’ Splash
In the latter part of the auction, uncapped Uttar Pradesh batsman Sameer Rizvi secured a lucrative deal of INR 8.4 crores from Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
CSK outlasted competition from Gujarat Titans and a late bid from Delhi Capitals to acquire the services of the 20-year-old Rizvi.
Known for his impressive performances in the UP T20 league, Rizvi hit the most sixes and scored two centuries, including the fastest of the tournament.
He also shone at the Under-23 level for Uttar Pradesh, contributing two centuries in knockout tournaments and a quick 84 in the final, helping UP secure the title.
Among other uncapped Indian players, Shahrukh Khan found a new home at Gujarat Titans for INR 7.4 crores, despite Punjab Kings attempting to reacquire the player they had released before the auction.
Jharkhand’s wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Kushagra, who showcased his batting prowess with a 67 off 37 balls in a recent Vijay Hazare Trophy chase of 355 against Maharashtra, sparked a competitive bidding war between CSK, Gujarat Titans, and Delhi Capitals. Ultimately, Delhi Capitals secured his services for INR 7.2 crores.
Read More The Curious Case Of Top Unsold Players In IPL Auction 2024
Other Notable Buys
Rilee Rossouw – Punjab Kings – INR 8 crores:
The South African batsman, Rilee Rossouw, was picked up by Punjab Kings for a hefty sum of INR 8 crores. His experience and hard-hitting batting style likely contributed to his significant price tag.
Shubham Dubey – Rajasthan Royals – INR 5.8 crores:
Shubham Dubey, an Indian all-rounder, joined Rajasthan Royals for INR 5.8 crores. Dubey’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an attractive prospect for the Royals.
Yash Dayal – Royal Challengers Bangalore – INR 5 crores:
Royal Challengers Bangalore secured the services of Yash Dayal, an emerging talent, for INR 5 crores. Dayal’s potential and performances in domestic cricket likely led to the significant bid.
Jhye Richardson – Delhi Capitals – INR 5 crores:
Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 5 crores. Richardson’s pace and wicket-taking ability made him a valuable addition to the team’s bowling lineup.
Chris Woakes – Punjab Kings – INR 4.2 crores:
Punjab Kings added the English all-rounder Chris Woakes to their squad for INR 4.2 crores. Woakes’ versatility as both a bowler and a batsman likely contributed to his acquisition.
Robin Minz – Gujarat Titans – INR 3.6 crores:
Gujarat Titans secured the services of Robin Minz, an uncapped player, for INR 3.6 crores. Minz’s potential and performances in domestic cricket likely attracted the franchise.
M. Siddharth – Lucknow Super Giants – INR 2.4 crores:
Lucknow Super Giants signed M. Siddharth, a left-arm spinner, for INR 2.4 crores. Siddharth’s bowling skills and potential as a spinner likely contributed to his acquisition.
Lockie Ferguson – Royal Challengers Bangalore – INR 2 crores:
Royal Challengers Bangalore added New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson to their squad for INR 2 crores. Ferguson’s pace and wicket-taking ability likely made him an attractive option.
Jaydev Unadkat – Sunrisers Hyderabad – INR 1.6 crores:
Sunrisers Hyderabad secured the services of Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat for INR 1.6 crores. Unadkat’s experience in the IPL and his bowling skills likely contributed to his acquisition.
Wanindu Hasaranga – Sunrisers Hyderabad – INR 1.5 crores:
Sunrisers Hyderabad signed Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for INR 1.5 crores. Hasaranga’s spin bowling prowess likely played a key role in his recruitment.
Azmatullah Omarzai – Gujarat Titans – INR 50 lakhs:
Azmatullah Omarzai, an Afghan player, was acquired by Gujarat Titans for INR 50 lakhs. His potential and talent likely contributed to his selection at a more modest price.
