The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage for glitzy auctions and jaw-dropping deals, and the 2024 edition took extravagance to new heights with certain players breaking all previous records for the most expensive IPL deals. Notably, Mitchell Starc (24.75 crore), Pat Cummins (INR 20.50 crore) and Daryl Mitchell (INR 14 crore) were the top three costliest buys in the IPL 2024 auction.

As anticipation is at an all-time high and fans eagerly await the 17th edition of the tournament, cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar has shared his insights on what he believes is the ‘most overpriced buy’ of the season.

Sunil Gavaskar picks the most overpriced buy of IPL 2024

Former India skipper Gavaskar recently pointed to Australian pacer Starc as the player who may not justify the hefty price tag attached to his name in the Kolkata Knight Riders‘ squad. Gavaskar, known for his candid opinions, did not mince his words when expressing his thoughts on Starc’s value for money.

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Performance criteria set by Gavaskar

Gavaskar laid down specific criteria for Starc to justify his price tag. According to the cricketing legend, Starc must deliver match-winning spells in at least four out of the 14 matches he plays. The real test, Gavaskar suggests, will be against formidable teams like the Mumbai Indians (MI), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), all known for their top-class batting lineups.

“Over the top, to be absolutely frank. I don’t think anybody is worth that kind of money. If Starc can make an impact and win maybe four out of the 14 matches that he plays, then you can say money’s worth. Then if he makes contributions in the other games – absolutely fantastic,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

“He has got to bowl match-winning spells in at least four out of the 14 matches, and maybe the crucial matches against the Mumbai Indians, the Chennai Super Kings and RCB, because these three have top-class batting lineups. Bowl those teams out and you could even then say – money’s worth,” he added.

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