The IPL 2024 auction grabbed headlines for the hefty sums paid for a handful of players. Teams, mostly with their core players already in place, didn’t hesitate to bid big, aiming to fill specific gaps in their line-ups.
However, not all investments yield returns. While some hidden gems have shone this season, others, carrying hefty price tags, haven’t stepped up to the plate. Without a quick turnaround, these players could face a sharp drop in value if they’re released before the next auction.
Lotus365, your go-to for sports insights and betting, zeroes in on three such players who are under the microscope:
#1 Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc’s signing by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering ₹24.75 crore made waves, but the ripples have yet to reach the performance shores. The pressure on him was immense, yet the Australian pacer has claimed only five wickets in six matches, proving costly, especially towards the end of innings. KKR, known for smart strategizing, might have to reconsider their options if Starc’s form doesn’t improve.
#2 Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell, the New Zealand batter, came into the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) fold for ₹14 crore. With Ambati Rayudu’s retirement, CSK bet on Mitchell’s spin play. Mitchell, however, has scored a mere 135 runs in six matches, with an unremarkable average and strike rate. With players like Moeen Ali waiting in the wings, Mitchell’s days in the starting lineup may be numbered unless he can turn things around quickly.
#3 Alzarri Joseph
The West Indian speedster, Alzarri Joseph, was bought for ₹11 crore by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), hoping he’d be the solution to their bowling troubles. But performance didn’t follow the paycheck. After a mere handful of games, Joseph has been mostly bench-warming. His sole wicket in three games at an alarming economy rate of 11.90 led to his replacement. Given RCB’s ongoing issues with their bowling attack, having an expensive player like Joseph out of the playing eleven speaks volumes about his current form and the team’s confidence in him.
These players have the talent but are running out of time to justify their high costs. In Lotus365 ID, these fluctuations in player performance are critical data points for those looking to place informed bets. The clock is ticking—will these stars rise to the occasion or face the auction block? Only time will tell.