The crazy buys don't always pay off
Hindustan Times|December 20, 2023
When the frenetic bidding for Mitchell Starc finally ended, Kolkata Knight Riders emerged with a winning bid of ₹24.75 crore. The twice former champions desperately needed pacers and the Australian left-armer fit the bill. But any which way you look at it, this was crazy money. The auction dynamics again came to the fore as a pitched battle between KKR and Gujarat Titans pushed up the asking price way beyond the realm of logic.
Ashish Magotra

If Starc plays the entire 2024 season, he will get approximately ₹7.3 lakh per delivery. If that isn't pressure, nothing is. "Humbling to still feel like I'm wanted, or needed, I guess. My gameplay hasn't changed much across formats except a few things here and there. Hopefully the experience can translate to some success," said Starc.

One would imagine that Starc, when he is on his game, fit and not putting country ahead of club, could possibly give KKR the boost they seek. But given the track record of the 'most expensive buys' over the years, he will have to buck the trend in some style.

Take for instance the top earner of the 2023 auction -- Sam Curran. Bought for ₹18.50 crore by Punjab Kings, his numbers hardly did justice to the faith the team management showed in him. He had a few good games with the bat, scoring 276 runs (S/R 135.96), but his bowling was a huge disappointment (10 wkts, econ 10.22). Certainly not the match-winner Punjab had hoped he would be.

The previous year, Mumbai Indians splurged the big bucks on Ishan Kishan. The 'keeper-batter responded by having an ordinary season, scoring 418 runs but at a strike-rate of just 120.11. His career strike-rate in IPL is 134.26.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 20, 2023 من Hindustan Times.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 20, 2023 من Hindustan Times.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HINDUSTAN TIMES مشاهدة الكل
Aamir-Ajay off-screen reunion makes fans ask for Ishq 2
Hindustan Times

Aamir-Ajay off-screen reunion makes fans ask for Ishq 2

When actors Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn reunited at an event on Saturday, it left their fans nostalgic.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Blissful Bebo in Saif haven!
Hindustan Times

Blissful Bebo in Saif haven!

Kareena Kapoor Khan is back in the bay from her Diwali holiday in the Maldives, and on Saturday, the actor shared some stunning pictures of sun-kissed beaches and sun-tanned skin from her dreamy getaway with her boys – actor-husband Saif Ali Khan and sons, Taimur and Jeh.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
FAKE TICKETS, SCALPING STRIKE A SOUR NOTE
Hindustan Times

FAKE TICKETS, SCALPING STRIKE A SOUR NOTE

Ahead of some big international gigs in India, we talk to artists and organisers about the rising threat of fake ticketing and black marketeering

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
He always had a smile on his face: Ssudeep Sahir delves into memories of Nitin Chauhaan
Hindustan Times

He always had a smile on his face: Ssudeep Sahir delves into memories of Nitin Chauhaan

Actor Ssudeep Sahir, one of the first to confirm the tragic passing of his Tera Yaar Hoon Main co-star Nitin Chauhaan, is in a state of shock after the incident. Chauhaan, 35, was found dead in his Mumbai flat on Friday. He allegedly died by suicide.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Hindustan Times

MCSWEENEY TO OPEN, INGLIS HANDED FIRST TEST CALL UP FOR BGT OPENER

Uncapped Nathan McSweeney won the race to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against India while Australia also handed a maiden Test call up to Josh Inglis on Sunday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Pakistan win 1st ODI series Down Under since 2002
Hindustan Times

Pakistan win 1st ODI series Down Under since 2002

Saim Ayub hit 42 and Abdullah Shafique 37 as Pakistan raced to a commanding eight-wicket victory and their first one-day series win in Australia for 22 years on Sunday.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Jagan Kumar, the 11-time national motorcycle champion, quits racing
Hindustan Times

Jagan Kumar, the 11-time national motorcycle champion, quits racing

NEW DELHI: It has been an emotional time for Jagan Kumar, the illustrious rider who decided to roll his bike into the garage for good after dominating Indian circuits for around 15 years.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
A rivalry and new momentum
Hindustan Times

A rivalry and new momentum

Sabalenka-Swiatek battle for the top promises an exciting year in women's tennis

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Varun's fifer in vain, Stubbs scripts a sensational chase
Hindustan Times

Varun's fifer in vain, Stubbs scripts a sensational chase

South Africa level series 1-1, beating India by three wickets in the second T20I at Gqeberha

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Chelsea, Arsenal in 1-1 draw; United win
Hindustan Times

Chelsea, Arsenal in 1-1 draw; United win

Chelsea and Arsenal shared the spoils in a tense and at times bruising 1-1 battle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, keeping the London sides level in the Premier League, but still nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024