Win Projections to be updated soon
Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who signed a lucrative deal of INR 24.75 crore with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), emerged as the most expensive player in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. One-Day International (ODI) and Test captain Pat Cummins of Australia was another player who drew interest during the business event. He was sold for INR 20.50 crore to the 2016 champion Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Many cricket fans believed that SRH might have acquired a stronger bowler than Cummins after this trade because of the Australian legend’s lackluster IPL record. It’s crucial to examine his track record in the league with a large salary after this conversation. Throughout his 42 games, the 30-year-old has claimed 45 wickets at a standard economy rate of 8.54.
In the 2020 IPL, Cummins became the most expensive player when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) paid INR 15.50 crore for him. With just 12 wickets in 14 games at an economy of 7.86, he was unable to live up to his price during the competition. He returned to the KKR in 2021 but was not as successful.
Based on these figures, it is evident that Cummins has not been playing at his peak in the league. For the business event in Dubai, they might have chosen a bowler who is now enjoying great form or who has a respectable record in the annual Twenty20 tournament. In order to continue the conversation, let’s look at the three players that SRH ought to have bid on instead of the Australian captain.
Let’s examine the three players that SRH ought to have chosen in place of Pat Cummins:
1. Dilshan Madushanka
Dilshan Madushanka of Sri Lanka made waves with his methodical bowling at the 2023 World Cup. In nine matches of the highly anticipated One-Day International (ODI) tournament, the pacer claimed 21 wickets, making him the third highest wicket-taker in the competition.
Mumbai Indians (MI) purchased his services for INR 4.6 crore at the auction, securing his services for the 2017 IPL season after his outstanding bowling performance. While MI faced fierce opposition from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during the event, the former team showed a strong sense of will at the auction table and ultimately succeeded in obtaining the Sri Lankan icon.
Madushanka would have been a better fit for SRH than Cummins, given her previous strong performance on Indian courses. While not having as much experience as Cummins, the 23-year-old has accomplished a lot in his short career. During the 2022 Asia Cup, he claimed six wickets and contributed to his team’s sixth Asia Cup victory. In addition, Madushanka has extensive experience playing cricket on subcontinental grounds; therefore, he is accustomed to Indian conditions.
2. Chris Woakes
In the 2024 Indian Premier League, Chris Woakes will play for the Punjab Kings (PBKS). To acquire him for the next tournament, the franchise paid INR 4.2 crore at auction. The veteran English player has previously played for Delhi Capitals (DC), Kings Kingston (KCB), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
In terms of his record, he has taken 30 wickets at an economy of 8.97 in 21 games. The average of Woakes (21.93) is superior to Cummins’ (30.16). In contrast to Cummins, the senior English cricketer has a great deal of league cricket expertise. Taking into account both of these variables, it is reasonable to argue that Woakes, at a fair price, would have been a better alternative for SRH than Cummins, who was committed to a huge contract.
3. Gerald Coetzee
During the 2023 World Cup, Gerald Coetzee made an incredible impression for South Africa and quickly gained popularity. He finished as the fifth-leading wicket-taker in the competition after taking 20 wickets in eight games. His outstanding performance in the 2024 IPL auction drew several franchises to him, and they got into a competitive bidding war for him.
Ultimately, MI defeated both the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and LSG to get the Protea player for INR 5 crore. The franchise spent a lot of money on the Aussie, who is comparable to the Protea fast, but young Coetzee may have saved them. Coetzee’s arsenal includes variations and pure pace, just like Cummins’.
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