(Image source from: Twitter.com/cricketworldcup)
IPL 2024 Auctions: Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins on the Top:- In a whirlwind of record-breaking deals, Pat Cummins made history in the IPL when he joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering INR 20.50 crore. However, his moment in the spotlight was short-lived as Mitchell Starc swiftly swooped in, shattering the record by signing with Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 24.75 crore.
Expressing his gratitude, Starc humbly admitted that it felt incredible to be wanted and needed as he made his long-awaited return to the IPL after an eight-year absence. The excitement continued as Daryl Mitchell, the talented allrounder from New Zealand, sparked a fierce bidding war, ultimately landing a massive deal with Chennai Super Kings for INR 14 crore.
Harshal Patel commanded a respectable INR 11.75 crore and found a new home with Punjab Kings, while Alzarri Joseph secured a deal with RCB for 11.50 crore. As expected, many sought-after players were snapped up by various franchises. However, one notable player, Steven Smith, remained without a new team.
The spotlight also shone on the ODI World Cup performers, with Rachin Ravindra, a New Zealand allrounder, Australia's Travis Head, South Africa's Gerald Coetzee, and Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka all finding themselves in the mix, eagerly awaiting their next chapter in the IPL.
In an unexpected turn of events, the top-order batsman Sameer Rizvi found himself at the forefront of surprise picks as he was selected by CSK for a whopping INR 8.4 crore. Similarly, the Delhi Capitals secured the services of Kumar Kushagra from Jharkhand for INR 7.2 crore, while the Gujarat Titans added Shahrukh Khan to their team for INR 7.4 crore. However, the auction took a surprising twist towards the end when the relatively unknown 21-year-old wicketkeeper Robin Minz from Jharkhand was purchased by the Titans for INR 3.6 crore.
