IPL 2024: Top 5 expensive players and their performances in the league

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. (Photo source: IPL)

In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction held in Dubai, franchises splurged a huge chunk of money to reserve the services of some eminent players who were performing exceptionally during or prior to the business event. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were the highest spenders with INR 31.35 crore and 30.80 crore respectively. The defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) also grabbed a lot of eyeballs for releasing a hefty sum of INR 30.40 crore from their purse. 

Following five weeks of the IPL 2024, cricket supporters are eager to know how expensive players have performed, thus far. Taking this conversation ahead, let’s analyse the performances of the five costliest players in the ongoing tournament.

Here is the analyses of the performances of the five costliest players of IPL 2024 –

5. Alzarri Joseph

West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph was sold to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a massive amount of INR 11.50 crore. With this amount, he was the fifth-most expensive player at the business extravaganza. Following the auction, RCB faced wrath from their fans for buying the Caribbean player at a huge price as the 27-year-old failed to leave any impact in the tournament after the 2019 season of the cash-rich league.

Discussing Alzarri’s bowling numbers in the ongoing competition, the pacer has got only one wicket after his three outings. In the first three contests, the Royal Challengers gave the lanky pacer the task of reinforcing their fast-bowling unit but after facing a humiliating seven-wicket hammering at the hands of Kolkata in Bengaluru, RCB haven’t inducted him into their playing XI.

4. Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel became the fourth costliest player in the IPL 2024 auction, getting a lucrative amount of INR 11.75 crore from Punjab Kings (PBKS). Following this eye-grabbing deal, PBKS fans were expecting the veteran speedster to deliver effective numbers to the side in the tournament, and noting Harshal’s bowling numbers, it can be said that he has done his job efficiently.

Showing up in nine games, he has claimed 14 wickets at an economy of 10.18 and is currently the Purple Cap holder, with Mumbai Indians (MI) star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. PBKS supporters will expect Harshal to continue his form for the remainder of the tournament so that their side reaches the playoffs after 10 years.

3. Daryl Mitchell 

New Zealand stalwart Daryl Mitchell has made his comeback in IPL after two years. At the auction, CSK invested INR 14 crore in the Kiwi batter after noting his brilliant batting numbers for his national team in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 held in India.

However, Mitchell’s batting numbers clearly indicate that he has failed to live upto CSK’s expectations. In seven outings, he has amassed only 146 runs in seven matches at an ordinary strike rate of 123.72 and a miserable average of 24.33. 

2. Pat Cummins

After guiding Australia to their record-extending sixth title win with the 2023 World Cup victory, Pat Cummins was expected to receive big money in the IPL 2024 auction, and as per expectations, the Aussie got a humongous sum of INR 20.50 crore from SRH at the business event held in Dubai.

After reserving the Aussie’s services, the IPL 2016 champions appointed Cummins as the skipper of the side. Holding the reins of the team, Cummins has exuded confidence with the ball and captaincy. Under his leadership, the Orange Army has won five out of eight games and is currently holding the third spot on the points tally. Discussing his bowling numbers, the 30-year-old has grabbed 10 wickets in eight matches at an economy of 8.71.

1. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc became the talk of the town after getting fetched for INR 24.75 crore by KKR and becoming the costliest player in the history of IPL auctions. The Australia veteran’s job is to spearhead Kolkata’s pace attack in this competition but his current performance reveals that he has failed to do wonders with the ball.

Appearing in seven matches, Starc has bagged only six wickets at a horrendous economy of 11.48. Despite noting the veteran’s terrible bowling performances, KKR fans won’t lose faith in him as the Aussie has the potential to stun batters with his skills and experience.