IPL 2023: It has not been an auspicious start for IPL’s big-money signings so far. The likes of Ben Stokes, Cameron Green and Harry Brook went for big money during the IPL 2023 Auction but failed to deliver in their first games. While it is a long season, CSK, MI and SRH have taken a heavy hit and will hope that their investment comes good when the tournament ends. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad will need their most expensive Picks from the IPL auction to come to the party after a disastrous start to the season. Ben Stokes cost CSK an arm and a leg, and the English captain had a horror outing on his debut for the new franchise. Furthermore, given his fitness issues and unavailability with the ball, CSK has struggled for options on the field.
Another Englishman who cost a fortune and struggled was Harry Brook. The 22-year-old seemed clearly overawed by the occasion and had a painful stay at the crease. In a chase of 204, the 13.25 crore signing scored 13 off 21 balls at a woeful strike rate of 61.90.
IPL 2023 Auction: Biggest buys
- 18.5 Crore – Sam Curran (Punjab Kings) – 26 (17)* & 3-0-38-1
- 17 Crore – Cameron Green (Mumbai Indians) – 5 (4) & 2-0-30-1
- 16.25 Crore – Ben Stokes (CSK) – 7 (6)
- 16 crore – Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – 36 (21)
- 13.25 Crore – Harry Brook (SRH) – 13 (21)
Mumbai Indians’ 17 Crore recruit was also handed a crude reality check. Cameron Green was cleaned up by a peach from Reece Topley for just 5 runs. With the ball in hand, the Australian all-rounder just disappeared to all parts of the ground. While he did manage to get a wicket, he conceded 30 runs in his two overs.
On the other end of the spectrum are Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. The most expensive player in IPL history, Sam Curran had a decent start in his second stint with Punjab. With the bat, the young left-hander played a valuable cameo to power his team to a competitive total. He was expensive with the ball in hand but dismissed the dangerous Andre Russell at the crucial juncture.
Nicholas Pooran also had a fine outing on his LSG debut. Nailed as a finisher in the side, he scored a quick-fire 36 to take LSG to an above-par score in their first home game. Pooran has often been hit-and-miss in the IPL, but he had made a compelling start this year.
IPL has a long history of expensive flops, with some of the biggest names struggling with the weight of the price tag. CSK, MI and SRH would hope that it isn’t the case with their biggest buys.
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