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In the IPL 2024 Auction on Tuesday, relatively unknown Indian batsmen Sameer Rizvi and Shubham Dubey created surprises as they became unexpected high-value acquisitions. Both players triggered intense bidding wars among franchises, resulting in Dubey joining Rajasthan Royals for Rs 5.8 crore and Rizvi securing a substantial Rs 8.4 crore contract with Chennai Super Kings.
With established success in the domestic circuit, particularly as finishers, both cricketers, who represent Vidarbha and Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, respectively, emerged as sought-after assets for the teams.
Dubey gathered attention with his dynamic batting displays in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 221 runs across seven innings with an impressive strike rate of 187.28. His crucial contribution as an Impact Player in Vidarbha’s historic run-chase against Bengal showcased his integral role in the team.
Pursuing a target of 213, he secured an undefeated 58 from only 20 balls, sealing the match with 13 deliveries remaining. The innings, featuring 3 fours and 6 sixes, received praise from both experts and fans.
Meanwhile, Rizvi emerged as the top six-hitter for Kanpur Superstars in the UP T20 League, accumulating 455 runs in the tournament, including two powerful centuries. His outstanding performance led to trial offers from several IPL franchises, but he opted to represent the U-23 UP team. Rizvi secured a place among the top 10 six-hitters in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, boasting a strike rate of 139.89.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc outbid his Australian bowling counterpart Pat Cummins, becoming the highest-priced acquisition in IPL history with a staggering bid of Rs 24.75 crore. Shortly after Cummins received an unprecedented offer of 20.50 crore from Sunrisers Hyderabad, Starc set a new benchmark as Kolkata Knight Riders made a multi-million dollar bid for the left-arm pacer, who had last played in the IPL in 2015.
In the IPL 2024 Auction, Sameer Rizvi and Shubham Dubey unexpectedly became significant high-value selections
The unpredictable nature of the IPL was evident as Josh Hazlewood, one-third of the formidable Australian pace trio, remained unsold in the initial auction round despite having a base price of Rs 2 crore.
Gujarat Titans and KKR engaged in an extended and thrilling bidding war for Starc, with the latter ultimately securing him in a groundbreaking deal. At 33, Starc, who typically prioritizes international commitments over the IPL, chose to participate in the auction, keeping an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup following the IPL.
He participated in just two IPL seasons, claiming 34 wickets across 27 matches at an average of 20.38. In comparison, Cummins has been a consistent presence in the IPL but opted out of the 2023 edition to concentrate on the Ashes and the ODI World Cup.
A fierce bidding contest unfolded for Cummins, with Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad vigorously vying to secure the services of the pace-bowling all-rounder.
Ultimately, it was SRH that made an extravagant offer for Cummins, breaking the record for the highest-ever bid, exceeding the Rs 18.5 crore spent by Punjab Kings on England’s Sam Curran the previous year.
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