Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about the IPL 2024 auction strategy of the Gujarat Titans, specifically questioning their pursuit of Mitchell Starc. Chopra noted that the Titans opted to stop bidding despite having a considerable amount still available in their purse.
Notably, Mitchell Starc sparked a fierce bidding war between franchises in the auction, particularly involving the Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders. The bidding competition set new records, with the Kolkata Knight Riders ultimately securing Starc for an astounding Rs 24.75 crore.
Aakash Chopra Questioned Gujarat Titans Strategy During IPL 2024 Auction
In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra highlighted that the Gujarat Titans had the opportunity to raise their bid for Mitchell Starc. Chopra suggested that the Titans had the financial flexibility to push their pursuit of Starc even further. He said:
“You ran after Mitchell Starc for sure but stopped on the verge of acquiring him, and then eight crore rupees were left in your purse. You start wondering what was Gujarat’s strategy, that why they went till 24 crores and then pulled out even though money was still left in their kitty,”
He added:“We thought that if Gujarat wanted someone, no one would be able to stop them because they had the most money and had to fill the least slots if we talk about the combination. The team was already ready. So if they went till 24 crores, they could have gone till 25 as well,”
Entering the auction with Rs 38.15 crore, the Titans made notable investments, acquiring players like Spencer Johnson, Shahrukh Khan, Umesh Yadav, and Robin Minz. They spent Rs 10 crore on securing Australian pacer Spencer Johnson to enhance their overseas seam-bowling strength. Johnson, aged 28, has a solid T20 record with 17 wickets in 20 matches and an impressive economy rate of 7.84.
Further, Aakash Chopra hinted that the Gujarat Titans could have chosen Gerald Coetzee over Spencer Johnson. He expressed doubts about how well Johnson would fit into the IPL environment, showing a mixed opinion on the decision. He said:
“They pulled out and said that they would go in some other direction. There they bought Spencer Johnson for 10 crores. It was almost clear that they needed a left-arm fast bowler. However, I have become a broken record – Gerald Coetzee was available at five crores, so you could have taken him,”
“Spencer Johnson is alright. He bowls fast but I have my reservations based on however much I have seen him. Yes, he bowls at 145 kph but I have got no idea how he will settle in the IPL-named beast. I am 50-50, I am not convinced yet.”
Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL champions, picked up Gerald Coetzee for Rs 5 crore in the auction. Coetzee, who excelled as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023 World Cup in India, is familiar with playing in Indian conditions.
