“Both Amazing Players, But Really, At That Cost?”AB de Villiers on Pat Cummins’s and Mitchell Starc’s Huge IPL Bids

Legendary batsman for South Africa AB de Villiers believes that Pat Cummins and Mithcell Starc’s high bids were driven by the need for quick bowlers in the IPL 2024 Players Auction. Starc made history by being the most expensive player when he signed with KKR for INR 24.75 crore, but Cummins emerged victorious in the auction when Sunrisers Hyderabad broke the bank for him with an INR 20.5 crore price.

The venerable Proteas hitter believes that successful clubs in the competition also had strong auctions. De Villiers was taken aback by Starc and Cummins’ exorbitant price tag, however.

“I completely concur. Several very wise purchases. The Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and other successful IPL teams also do well at the auction. Instead of acting on impulse, they make informed decisions. Even if Cummins and Starc are amazing players, at that price? It only illustrates the need. In a recent Q&A session on his YouTube channel, De Villiers said that there was a need for fast bowlers in this year’s auction and that prices increase in response to increased demand.

The five-time champion Mumbai Indians were praised by the former RCB player for their astute auctioneering, which would make them a formidable bowling team come next season.

“Two outstanding players: Dilshan Madushanka and Nuwan Thushara. Additionally, considering their price, Mohammad Nabi and Shreyas Gopal are two excellent purchases. They have a lot to offer you. They performed rather well, in my opinion. Jasprit Bumrah will provide food for all the young bowlers. For only ₹15 crore, I like the way Coetzee, Madushanka, and Thushara look,” he continued.

Gerald Coetzee was also praised by De Villiers, who said that Mumbai got him at a bargain price of INR 5 crore.

This man and I squared off around 6-7 years ago. He seemed to be around eighteen or nineteen, and he really impressed me. He exuded a lot of presence and steam. In that game, he was right in my face. He is leaving for only ₹5 crore to join the formidable Mumbai Indians. Although it is a sizable sum of money, this was a great deal when compared to some other athletes.