AB de Villiers, former South African captain, sheds light on the astounding IPL auction deals that landed Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins a combined sum of INR 45.25 crores. The IPL Auction 2024 witnessed unprecedented spending, rewriting records in the league’s history.
1. Stark and Cummins’ Mega Deals
In a historic turn of events, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired Mitchell Starc for a staggering INR 24.75 crores, while Sunrisers Hyderabad secured Pat Cummins for an impressive INR 20 crores. These monumental deals marked a significant shift in IPL auction dynamics.
2. AB de Villiers’ Insights
AB de Villiers, having played nearly a decade in the IPL, shared insights on the substantial amounts received by Starc and Cummins. In a video on his YouTube channel, de Villiers explained that the demand for fast bowlers with exceptional skills led to the substantial sums being paid.
3. Teasing Demand for Express Pacers
De Villiers stated, “Starc and Cummins are unbelievable players, but do they truly deserve that price? It merely reflects the demand. This year, there was a high demand for express fast bowlers, and as demand rises, so does the price.”
4. Impact on the IPL Auction
via: sportzwiki
The 2024 IPL auction witnessed a notable surge in demand for fast bowlers, leading to intense bidding wars for players like Starc and Cummins. The increased demand directly translated into record-breaking deals, shaking up the norms established in previous seasons.
5. Other Noteworthy Deals
Apart from Starc and Cummins, several all-rounders, including Alzarri Joseph, Harshal Patel, Spencer Johnson, and Daryl Mitchell, also secured lucrative deals. The heightened competition for top-tier players showcased the financial strength and strategic planning of IPL franchises.
6. Return of Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc made a comeback to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus. Having previously played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2015, Starc will now don the colors of KKR. His return added an extra layer of excitement to the auction proceedings.
7. Captaincy Prospects for Cummins
With the possibility of captaincy on the horizon, Pat Cummins could lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming season. Having recently gained captaincy experience and clinched multiple titles, Cummins is a strong contender for a leadership role.
Conclusion: The IPL Auction 2024 not only redefined records but also provided a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of team compositions and player valuations. AB de Villiers’ insights offer a perspective on the unprecedented sums paid for Starc and Cummins, emphasizing the ever-growing demand for world-class fast bowlers in the thrilling world of T20 cricket. As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the upcoming IPL season, these high-profile signings have undoubtedly added a new level of excitement and anticipation to the tournament.
Also Read – IPL 2024 | Unveiling the Top 5 Most Expensive Uncapped Players in IPL Auction History