The Auction dynamics are such that teams might have to sometimes overspend on cricketers who will not be a part of the preferred XI. It happened in IPL 2024 Auctions, as well. On that note, here, we take a look at three teams that spent more than INR 7 Crores for a backup player in IPL 2024 Auctions.
1) Punjab Kings – Rilee Rossouw (INR 8 Cr)
It was clear for Punjab Kings that some of the English players would not be available for the last few games of IPL. Yet, the franchise kept it late to sign some replacements. Even Delhi Capitals were looking for a batter and hence, there was a war for Rilee Rossouw.
The South African batter had gone unsold in the first round. However, he struck gold when he went under the hammer again. PBKS could have spent more money on the other areas of the squad and they could have got some foreigners at their base price as replacements.
2) Delhi Capitals – Kumar Kushagra (INR 7.2 Cr)
Delhi Capitals is one of the teams that spent more than INR 7 Crores for a backup player in IPL 2024 Auctions. DC signed as many as four wicket-keepers in the IPL 2024 Auctions.
Kumar Kushagra was the most expensive here. In the first place, if Rishabh Pant is ready to keep, Kumar might not even play. Even if Pant needs a backup, it could be Abishek Porel as he was signed and retained last season. Hence, it was a surprise to see DC go so hard.
3) Gujarat Titans – Spencer Johnson (INR 10 Cr)
GT might not be able to afford more than one overseas pacer in the playing XI. They might need someone for the middle-overs and hence, they could go for Josh Little.
With the new ball, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami are likely to do the job. Hence, Spencer Johnson is a backup and yet, GT went and spent INR 10 Cr for him.
