While teams expect their big-money signings to impact them positively, sometimes, it could have the opposite effect. Of course, everything boils down to how the team operates on the field. On that note, here, we take a look at three big-money signings at IPL 2024 Auctions that weakened the team that signed them.
1) Pat Cummins – Sunrisers Hyderabad
With Pat Cummins coming for such a big amount, Marco Jansen has to be benched. Now, the concern will be as to who would share the new ball with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Umran Malik and T Natarajan cannot while Cummins is needed more in the middle overs and at the death. Therefore, the balance of the bowling attack is gone now. Jaydev Unadkat or Akash Singh have to play to open the bowling for SRH.
2) Umesh Yadav – Gujarat Titans
Umesh Yadav is one of the big-money signings at IPL 2024 Auctions that weakened the team that signed them. It was a surprise that GT went close to INR 6 Cr for Umesh Yadav. As we all know, Umesh is known for his expertise with the new ball. Outside of that, he struggles a bit.
Now, Umesh has to share the new ball with Shami. Hardik Pandya is not there, as well. With Umesh in the XI, GT’s foreign pacers such as Spencer Johnson cannot bowl in the powerplay. Now, if GT drops Umesh, the pressure on Shami increases with the new ball. Hence, it could be hard for GT to strike a balance.
3) Alzarri Joseph – Royal Challengers Bangalore
Alzarri Joseph was hired by RCB for an amount in excess of INR 11 Cr. During the auctions, this signing spoiled the entire day for RCB. While Joseph is a good bowler, he is definitely not worth that much amount. Lockie Ferguson at INR 2 Cr was a steal.
With an inexperienced Joseph in the team, RCB will have some tough problems. They might have to use Siraj in the middle overs, which would put the team in a weak position at the death.