The IPL auction, known for its massive financial stakes, is also a highly competitive and strategic event. Player prices depend not only on their performance but also on their importance in the team’s plans, their commercial value, and the demand from fans. In this year’s auction, several players were sold at very high prices, and often, expensive players fail to justify their hefty price tags, earning the “overpriced” label.
However, the saying “what’s good is often a little more expensive” has proven true for many players. Here’s an analysis of seven players who were sold for substantial amounts and are expected to deliver great value.
Rishabh Pant (India)
Rishabh Pant, who has broken auction records, was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore. In 111 IPL matches, Pant has scored 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate just under 150, consistently delivering season after season. His explosive batting, wicketkeeping, and leadership make him a major asset for the team. His recent performances further add to his market value, which was evident in the bidding war for him.
Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
The Australian star was acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹12.5 crore. Hazlewood is known for his precise line and length, coupled with fiery pace. He even outpaces Australian legend Glenn McGrath in terms of speed. While Hazlewood’s IPL career hasn’t been stellar, his recent performances in the Australia-India series have been impressive, making him a potential game-changer for Bangalore, especially given their long-standing search for an experienced pacer.
Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Another Aussie pace sensation, Mitchell Starc, was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹11.75 crore. Starc was the most expensive player last season. With 13 years of international cricket experience and a reputation for delivering fast deliveries, his pace might have decreased over time, but his ability to vary lengths, change speeds, and deliver swinging deliveries makes him a lethal bowler. His performance in previous seasons, especially during Kolkata Knight Riders’ title win, shows his potential to deliver for Delhi.
Jack Fraser McGurk (Australia)
Australia’s rising star Jack Fraser McGurk was picked by Delhi Capitals for ₹9 crore. At just 22, McGurk had an excellent 2024 IPL season, scoring 330 runs in nine matches with an impressive strike rate of 234.04. His form in international cricket has been consistent, and expectations are high that he will justify his price tag by performing excellently in the upcoming IPL season.
Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)
The explosive West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran was purchased by Punjab Kings for ₹11.25 crore. Pooran has built a reputation for his devastating batting, and his IPL record speaks volumes with a strike rate of 162.29 and 1,769 runs from 76 matches. His ability to change the game in an instant makes him one of the most dangerous players in the T20 format.
Sam Curran (England)
Sam Curran was the most expensive player in the 2023 IPL auction, but this time, Chennai Super Kings managed to buy him for a relatively cheaper price. Curran has shown his versatility with 58 wickets and 883 runs at a strike rate of 136.48 in the IPL, excelling as a pace bowler, finisher, and fielder. His all-round performance adds great value to the CSK lineup.
Harry Brook (England)
The English batter Harry Brook was picked up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹9 crore. While he didn’t perform at his best in the previous IPL season, Brook is in the form of his life.
He has been impressive in recent Test series and the Pakistan Premier League with some fantastic batting performances. With expectations high, Brook is likely to live up to his price tag in the upcoming season.