As the anticipation for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction intensifies, one name that is expected to trigger a bidding war is Mitchell Starc. The Australian paceman, known for his fiery left-arm deliveries, is set to make a comeback to the IPL after a hiatus. Despite his absence from the league in recent years, Starc’s stellar performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 has reignited the interest of IPL franchises. With a base price of Rs 2 crore, Starc’s inclusion in the auction has piqued the curiosity of teams looking to reinforce their pace bowling lineup. Let’s take a look at the top three IPL teams that could target Mitchell Starc in the upcoming auction.
Here are the three IPL teams that are eager to secure the Australian Pacer in the IPL 2024 auction:
1. Mumbai Indians (MI)
With a purse of 17.75 crores, Mumbai Indians might be a potential destination for Mitchell Starc. Despite boasting the talents of Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff, MI faces the absence of Jofra Archer. Starc’s international experience and ability to deliver match-winning spells make him an attractive option for the defending champions. MI, known for strategic acquisitions, could consider allocating a significant portion of their budget to secure Starc’s services and further strengthen their formidable pace attack.
2. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Having a purse of 23.25 crores, Royal Challengers Bangalore finds itself in a financial balancing act due to the trade involving Cameron Green. However, considering Starc’s previous successful stint with RCB in 2014 and 2015, the team might be tempted to bring him back to bolster their fast-bowling resources. The challenge for RCB lies in managing their budget effectively after committing a substantial amount to Green. Despite financial constraints, Starc’s track record and game-changing abilities may influence RCB’s bidding strategy.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad, equipped with a judicious approach and a purse of 34 crores, emerges as a potential contender for Mitchell Starc. Known for relying on impactful overseas players, SRH might see Starc as a valuable addition to their pace attack. Starc’s experience and ability to turn the game in SRH’s favor align with the team’s strategic goals. With a substantial budget at their disposal, SRH could strategically bid for Starc to provide leadership to their pace bowling unit and enhance the team’s overall performance.
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Mitchell Starc’s decision to participate in the IPL 2024 auction has added an extra layer of excitement for franchises looking to strengthen their squads. As the auction day approaches, the dynamics of team strategies will come into play. Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with their unique strengths and challenges, could emerge as frontrunners in the race to secure Mitchell Starc. The IPL 2024 auction promises to be a thrilling event, and Starc’s potential inclusion adds an intriguing dimension to the quest for assembling formidable squads in the quest for IPL glory.