Record-Breaking IPL Auction
Records tumbled during the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction last year as the Rs 20 crore mark was breached not once, but twice. SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) signed Australia captain Pat Cummins for Rs 20.5 crore, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) broke the record again by spending Rs 24.75 crore on Mitchell Starc. This unprecedented bidding sequence received mixed responses from fans and experts. Some justified the high prices, while others questioned if the duo deserved such a hefty bid.
Starc’s Impactful Performances
Despite being expensive during the group stage of IPL 2024, Mitchell Starc proved his worth when it mattered most. He delivered match-winning performances in Qualifier 1 and the final, justifying KKR’s investment in him.
Cummins’ Leadership Role
Pat Cummins, on the other hand, thrived in his leadership role at SRH. He was instrumental in taking his team to the final, where the 2016 champions eventually lost to Starc’s KKR. Cummins’ leadership was a significant factor in SRH’s successful campaign.
A Hilarious Revelation
During a recent interaction, Mitchell Starc admitted that both he and Cummins were a bit overpaid. He also revealed that the two had a laugh about it. “Did laugh. Pat & I got paid a fair bit. We played the first game & nine weeks later we play again in finals. Suddenly it goes from 2 overpaid guys to these 2 are playing the final,” Starc shared on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast.
Brett Lee’s Bowler Ranking
Recently, former Australia pacer Brett Lee made headlines by naming India’s Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler across all formats currently. Ignoring his compatriots, Lee praised Bumrah’s ability to maintain an amazing pace while shaping the new ball away.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Excellence
“He is the best bowler in all formats right now and leads the attack. Bumrah can keep up an amazing pace while shaping the new ball away. His tournament performance demonstrated his leadership abilities, taking about 15 wickets with remarkable economy. He is absolutely exceptional, and India is deserving of praise for their accomplishments,” added the former Aussie pacer.
Conclusion
The IPL auction of last year showcased the high stakes and competitive nature of the tournament. While the record-breaking bids for Starc and Cummins sparked debates, their performances on the field, especially in crucial matches, justified their worth. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah’s recognition by Brett Lee highlights the global admiration for his bowling prowess, solidifying his status as one of the best bowlers in the world.(Dubai7 realmoneygame)