The IPL 2024 auction, featuring 333 registered players, concluded with 72 finding buyers among the ten participating franchises.
Held on December 19 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, this mini-auction set the stage for the upcoming tournament. Notably, Pat Cummins fetched an impressive INR 20.50 crore bid from Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Mitchell Starc secured an even higher bid of INR 24.75 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders, breaking the INR 20 Cr barrier in IPL auction history.
These acquisitions marked them as the two most expensive players ever sold. While other players received substantial bids, the reasons behind these purchases remain undisclosed by the franchises.
Kumar Kushagra – Worst Buy for Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals’ primary focus in the IPL 2024 auction was to reinforce their wicketkeeping options to support Rishabh Pant in the upcoming season. They secured Shai Hope, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, and Kumar Kushagra in their quest. While the other keepers were acquired at their base prices, Kumar Kushagra commanded an astonishing bid.
Also read: Why Nuwan Thushara is the Worst Buy for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 Auction?
DC invested INR 7.20 Cr in Kushagra, a former U19 Indian cricketer. His standout performance in trials earned the approval of Sourav Ganguly, the DC director of cricket, justifying the substantial bid. Kushagra’s aggressive batting style at the top suggests that the team management may have specific plans for him in the playing XI, adding an intriguing dimension to Delhi Capitals’ strategy.