IPL 2021 Auction most expensive buy- The Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is round the corner and all the franchise will eye to buy a big player in the auction that is set to take place in Chennai on February 18. Kings XI Punjab has the highest sum (Rs 53.2 crore) left in their purse while Delhi Capitals have managed to save only Rs 9 crore after player retention. The most-paid players have grabbed a lot of attention over the last 13 seasons. At Rs 15.5 crore, Pat Cummins is the most expensive buy in IPL till date. Every cricket fan is waiting to see who (if any) can break this record in the upcoming auctions.
In a recent video, former cricketer-turned commentator Aakash Chopra has predicted Michell Starc could be the most expensive player of IPL 2021.
IPL 2021 auction: Why Mitchell Starc can bag huge salary this season?
Starc is one of the best bowlers of the current generation. Known for his deadly yorkers and the ability to sweep the tailenders. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders at IPL 2018 auctions for a massive Rs 9.4 crore. However, he was ruled out due to injury. He then pulled out of the 2019 and 2020. He will be a hot property given his status in international.
However, his recent form might be a little concern for the IPL franchise, when they discuss about him. Starc struggled with form against India at the recently concluded series. He took only three-wicket in two ODIs and one T20I match he played. Also, his tryst with injury will be another factor which will be taken into account by the teams.
IPL 2021 Auction: Who can buy Starc (Possible scenarios):
Royal Challengers Bangalore
The left-arm pacer has last for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. After letting go of key players like Dale Steyn, Chris Morris and Umesh Yadav during retention, RCB might decide to buy this Aussie speedster. The franchise has three overseas slots left in the squad. The Bangalore-based franchise has Rs 15.35 crore left in their wallet.
Rajasthan Royals
RR might bid for Mitchell Starc in the IPL Auctions 2021. They have a remaining purse of Rs 34.85 crore. The team management has released Tom Curran and Oshane Thomas from the squad. The ‘Hall bol’ army has failed to win silverware since 2009 and Starc could turn out to be a match-winner alongside Jofra Archer in the bowling department.
Kings XI Punjab
The KL Rahul-led squad must be eyeing to improve their bowling department left exposed at the death. If Mitchell Starc and Mohammad Shami bowl in tandem, there will hardly be any big over’s for the opposition at the death. The Punjab-based franchise has a remaining purse of Rs 53.2 crore, the most among any IPL team.
But the veteran of over 500 wickets across formats might fail to attract a colossal sum on the back of his recent performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 31-year-old could only pick 11 wickets in the four Tests. But his IPL numbers tell a different story where he has scalped 34 wickets in 27 matches (season 2014-15). The base price of Starc in IPL 2021 is Rs 2 crore.
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