Top 5 most expensive buys in 2024 IPL auctions that left fans stun

IPL is known to shower unprecedented sums of money on match-winners which is why IPL is the world’s most popular league because some of the most skilled and experienced players feature in this tournament every year. T20 is a fast-paced game and also the most dynamic format of cricket which changes at a rapid pace that surprises the fans especially those who are from the previous generations.

But another thing that surprises the current and the previous generations of fans alike is the money that has been showered upon the cricketers in recent years. IPL auctions are the prime example of this as every year the fans are shocked by the amount of money franchises spend on some individual players and again the bid for some players in the subsequent year surpasses the previous year’s bid.

This year’s auction has been no different and it has seen the mark of the highest bid for an individual player broken twice in a single season. During the IPL Auction 2024 that was held in the Coca-Cola arena, Dubai saw some big names go unsold on the contrary some of them were paid huge sums of sons. Let’s rewind to find out who are the players that got the highest bids in this year’s auction:

1. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc has become the most expensive player in IPL auction history after securing a contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 24.75 crore. A heated bidding battle unfolded between KKR and Gujarat Titans for the left-arm seamer, ultimately resulting in him returning to his former franchise. Starc was initially bought by KKR in 2018, but an injury sidelined him, and his last IPL appearance was in 2015.

The Aussie left-arm pacer last played for RCB in 2015 and has not been participating since them because of international duties. he has been a mainstay of Australian bowling and has won two ODI World Cups with his fierce bowling. He is well-known for ripping apart the opposition's top-order batting with his swing and pace.

2.  Pat Cummins

The ODI World Cup victorious captain Pat Cummins has clinched a substantial contract with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, earning INR 20.5 crore. This deal positions him as the second-highest-paid player in the history of IPL auctions. 

Cummins' leadership skills, evidenced by Australia's successes in the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup, make him a probable candidate to lead SRH in the upcoming IPL season. Also, his all-round abilities with the bat and strong character make his bid justifiable. 

3. Daryl Mitchell

Mitchell demonstrated his skills by scoring 552 runs in 10 matches during the 2023 World Cup and has consistently delivered strong performances across different formats for New Zealand and therefore is picked by CSK for a hefty sum of 14 crore. Recognized for his expertise in facing spin, he possesses the capability to thrive on the slow surfaces commonly found at Chepauk in Chennai. 

Also, his two centuries in the World Cup were against formidable Indian bowling which shows his class and temperament as he hit one of those centuries at Wankhede in the all-important semi-final of the World Cup.

4. Harshal Patel

The Indian fast bowler emerged as the highest-priced Indian player in the auction and is renowned for his exceptional skills in slow bowling. Harshal Patel, the recipient of the Purple Cap in 2021, maintained an economy rate of 7.66 runs per over in 2022. 

However, his performance was on the costly side last year, leading to his release from RCB but Indian bowlers who could bowl well in the death are hard to find and Harshal Patel has that skill that makes him a good buy for Punjab Kings for 11.75 crore.

5. Alzarri Joseph

It’s one of the most shocking buys of this season as RCB bought West Indian quick Alzarri Joseph for a hefty amount of 11.50 crore. It’s simply the dynamics of a mini-auction where options are fewer and the teams want to pick a play for a particular role and thus they end up paying more.

With RCB facing challenges in their bowling department, there was a pressing need for a fast bowler to complement Mohammed Siraj. It came as no shock that they aggressively pursued the West Indian player. Joseph has secured 16 wickets in nine T20Is this year, boasting an average of 21.06, albeit with a slightly higher economy rate of 10.36.