The IPL Auction 2024, held at the prestigious Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 19, witnessed a spectacular display of financial prowess as franchises battled to secure the most sought-after cricketers. The auction set new records, with jaw-dropping bids and surprising retentions shaping the teams for the upcoming season. Let’s delve into the top 10 most expensive players who commanded staggering sums in this historic auction.
1. Mitchell Starc (KKR) – INR 24.75 Crore:
The highlight of the auction was the record-breaking bid of INR 24.75 crore secured by Kolkata Knight Riders for the Australian speedster, Mitchell Starc. This bid not only made Starc the most expensive player in IPL 2024 but also created history as the highest-ever bid in the IPL.
2. Pat Cummins (SRH) – INR 20.50 Crore:
Australia’s dynamic captain, Pat Cummins, made headlines with a substantial bid of INR 20.50 crore, initially securing the title of the most expensive player in the auction. Cummins will be donning the Sunrisers Hyderabad jersey, adding significant firepower to their lineup.
3. Sam Curran (PBKS) – INR 18.5 Crore:
Punjab Kings retained their faith in the versatile English all-rounder, Sam Curran, with a notable bid of INR 18.5 crore. His consistent performances and all-round abilities have made him a valuable asset for the franchise.
4. Cameron Green (RCB) – INR 17.5 Crore:
Royal Challengers Bangalore secured the services of the promising Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green, for an impressive sum of INR 17.5 crore. Green’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a potential game-changer for RCB.
5. KL Rahul (LSG) – INR 17 Crore:
Lucknow Super Giants were keen on retaining their stylish captain, KL Rahul, and they succeeded with a lucrative bid of INR 17 crore. Rahul’s consistency and captaincy skills make him a vital cog in the LSG setup.
6. Rohit Sharma (MI) – INR 16 Crore:
Mumbai Indians, the defending champions, continued their association with the ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma, securing his services for INR 16 crore. Sharma’s explosive batting have been pivotal in MI’s success over the years.
7. Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) – INR 16 Crore:
Chennai Super Kings retained their star all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, for a significant bid of INR 16 crore. Jadeja’s dynamic skills with both bat and ball, along with his exceptional fielding, make him a linchpin in the CSK squad.
8. Rishabh Pant (DC) – INR 16 Crore:
Delhi Capitals ensured the retention of their dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant, for INR 16 crore. Pant’s explosive batting and wicketkeeping prowess have been instrumental in DC’s campaign.
9. Andre Russell (KKR) – INR 16 Crore:
Kolkata Knight Riders retained the explosive all-rounder, Andre Russell, with a significant bid of INR 16 crore. Russell’s ability to single-handedly change the course of a game makes him a crucial asset for KKR.
10. Nicholas Pooran (KXIP) – INR 16 Crore:
Kings XI Punjab secured the explosive West Indian batter, Nicholas Pooran, for a bid of INR 16 crore. Pooran’s aggressive batting style and ability to clear boundaries make him a formidable force in the middle order.
The IPL Auction 2024 showcased the immense value placed on talent and the eagerness of franchises to secure top-performing players for the upcoming season. The astronomical sums spent on these players reflect the intense competition and the determination of teams to assemble winning combinations. As fans eagerly await the action-packed season, the impact of these high-profile acquisitions on the tournament’s dynamics promises to be nothing short of thrilling.
Also, see:
Everything you must know about IPL’s second-most expensive player ever
