IPL 2024 Auction, Starc and Cummins Shine as Uncapped Indians Rizvi and Kushagra Hit the Jackpot

The IPL 2024 auction was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, with a total of 72 players securing contracts across 10 teams, who collectively spent a staggering INR 230.45 crore. The auction witnessed some jaw-dropping moments, with Mitchell Starc emerging as the costliest player in IPL history, surpassing his captain Pat Cummins’ record set just an hour earlier.

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The Starc-Cummins Showdown:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made headlines by splurging a whopping ₹24.75 crore to secure the services of Australian pace sensation Mitchell Starc. Not to be outdone, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) quickly followed suit, securing Pat Cummins for ₹20.5 crore. The fierce competition for these two premier fast bowlers set the stage for a thrilling auction.

Fortunes Turn for Uncapped Talents:

The auction also proved to be a turning point for uncapped Indian cricketers, with Shubham Dubey and Sameer Rizvi experiencing an overnight transformation in their fortunes. Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured Dubey for ₹5.8 crore, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) splurged ₹8.4 crore to acquire the talented Rizvi. Their journeys from relative anonymity to millionaires symbolize the unpredictability and excitement of the IPL auction.

Windfall for Shahrukh Khan and Kumar Kushagra:

Indian pacers Umesh Yadav and Shivam Mavi also witnessed substantial paydays, with Gujarat Titans (GT) securing Yadav for ₹5.8 crore and Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) acquiring Mavi for ₹6.4 crore. However, the spotlight remained on Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, whose record-breaking contracts overshadowed other significant signings.

Overseas Stars and Surprises:

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell joined the Chennai Super Kings for a substantial ₹14 crore, while Punjab Kings (PBKS) broke the bank to secure the services of Harshal Patel for ₹11.75 crore. West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell became the first player to be sold, fetching a whopping ₹7.40 crore after a fierce bidding war between RR and KKR.

On the flip side, some big names like Steve Smith, Karun Nair, and Manish Pandey went unsold, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the auction. Overseas keepers and spinners, including Josh Inglis, Kusal Mendis, Adil Rashid, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, also found no takers.

Acceleration Auction Drama:

In the accelerated auction, uncapped Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson grabbed attention as Gujarat Titans acquired him for a significant ₹10 crore. However, notable international players such as Rassie van der Dussen, Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, and Kyle Jamieson surprisingly went unsold.

Gujarat Titans continued their aggressive approach by securing uncapped wicketkeeper Robin Minz for INR 3.6 crore, adding another layer of intrigue to the mix.

The IPL 2024 auction proved to be a spectacle of surprises, drama, and record-breaking deals, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead. As teams gear up with their new acquisitions, fans eagerly await the on-field action to see how these multi-million dollar players contribute to the success of their respective franchises.