When speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers emphasized the high demand for fast bowlers during the IPL 2024 Players Auction, leading to significant bids for Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Sunrisers Hyderabad invested INR 20.5 crore in Cummins, while KKR made history with Starc’s signing at INR 24.75 crore, making him the costliest player.
De Villiers also acknowledged successful IPL teams’ astute auction strategies, praising Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings for making intelligent, non-impulsive purchases. Despite admiring Cummins and Starc’s skills, their staggering prices surprised the South African legend.
“I couldn’t agree more. Some very smart buys. Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and other teams that do well in the IPL do well in the auction as well. They make smart buys and not emotional buys. Cummins and Starc, both incredible players, but really, for that price? It just shows you the demand. There was demand for fast bowlers in this year’s auction and when the demand goes up, the price goes up,” De Villiers said.
“Nuwan Thushara and Dilshan Madushanka – two fantastic players. Also, Mohammad Nabi and Shreyas Gopal two very good buys for their price. They can offer you a lot. I think they did pretty well. All the young bowlers will feed off Jasprit Bumrah. I absolutely love the look of Coetzee, Madushanka and Thushara only for ₹15 crore,” he added.
De Villiers further praised Coetzee, recalling facing him 6-7 years ago when Coetzee, then 18-19 years old, left a strong impression with his pace and presence. He considered Mumbai Indians getting him for INR 5 crore a steal compared to other players, acknowledging the significant value despite the sum being substantial.
Last Updated on December 21, 2023
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