IPL 2024: Top five overseas players to watch out for. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green among the five overseas players to look out for in IPL 2024.
The end of India’s domestic season of Ranji Trophy 2023-24 marks a shift in focus to the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with anticipation and excitement. Over the last 16 seasons, the IPL has witnessed several excellent overseas talents showcase and hone their skills.
As the countdown for the IPL 2024 is nearing its end, here is a look at the top five overseas players who are likely to take centerstage.
Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders)
The most discussed name after the IPL 2024 auction was Mitchell Starc. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pocketed the Australia pacer for a whopping INR 24.75 crore after a long and tense fight with the Gujarat Titans. Starc will make his reappearance in the league after a wait of eight seasons.
Undoubtedly, Starc is a coveted asset for any franchise. KKR, under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, will look to use his variations well. With 171 T20 wickets in 123 games at an economy of 7.47, the left-arm pace bowler could trouble the batters with the new ball, and could also dry up runs in the death overs.
|
Year |
Mat |
Wkts |
Ave |
Eco |
SR |
BBM |
|
IPL 2015 |
13 |
20 |
14.55 |
6.76 |
12.90 |
4/15 |
|
Overall |
27 |
34 |
20.38 |
7.17 |
17.06 |
4/15 |
Read More: IPL Auction 2024: Top 5 costliest buys
Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)Â
Just like Starc, Pat Cummins also earned a huge cheque of INR 20.50 crore to become a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The ‘Orange Army’ also announced the Australia pacer as their captain, replacing Aiden Markram even after his two successive SA20 successes.
It will be interesting to see whether Cummins could fill the leadership shoes of David Warner and Kane Williamson. With 145 T20 wickets in 130 games, the street-smart bowler could easily explore different conditions.
In recent times, Cummins has taken Australia to World Test Championship (WTC) glory and the summit of the recent ODI World Cup 2023 in India. His last few seasons in the IPL haven’t been good, but he will surely look to turn the table with better performances with the ball and captaincy hat.
|
Year |
Mat |
Wkts |
Ave |
Eco |
SR |
BBM |
|
IPL 2022 |
05 |
07 |
30.29 |
10.69 |
17.00 |
3/22 |
|
Overall |
42 |
45 |
30.16 |
8.54 |
21.18 |
4/34 |
Read More: IPL 2024: Gill, Pandya, Cummins set to lead IPL franchises – What’s in store for their teams?
Cameron Green (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made a massive change in their squad with the trade of Cameron Green from Mumbai Indians for a massive sum of INR 17.50 crore. Moreover, the RCB Director of Cricket, Mo Babat, addressed the decision as a potential game changer.
Green is a fantastic player and his batting will strengthen the middle-order. The Australia all-rounder has the power to clear any ground, and he will love batting at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. With 697 T20 runs in 33 innings at a strike rate of 151.52, he can be a huge asset for RCB. Moreover, his bowling will help them balance their playing eleven.
|
Year |
Mat |
Runs |
Wkts |
SR |
Eco |
50s/100s |
|
IPL |
16 |
452 |
06 |
160.28 |
9.50 |
02/01 |
|
T20s |
37 |
697 |
11 |
151.52 |
9.33 |
04/01 |
Read More: Top three favourites to win IPL 2024
Alzarri Joseph (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Many franchises showed interest in Alzarri Joseph during the IPL 2024 mini auction. He finally went to RCB for a whopping price of INR 11.50 crore. The West Indies pacer began his IPL career by storm, thanks to his excellent figures of 6/12 on debut against SRH, playing for the Mumbai Indians.
Joseph can be really effective with his fiery pace, and can ask difficult questions to the batters using his raw pace with the new ball. The Caribbean pacer could come and break a partnership in the middle overs. His slower bouncers are primary among his arsenal. Lastly, his partnership with Mohammad Siraj could be a great option for RCB.
|
Year |
Mat |
Wkts |
Ave |
Eco |
SR |
BBM |
|
IPL 2023 |
07 |
07 |
32.14 |
9.38 |
20.57 |
2/27 |
|
Overall |
19 |
20 |
28.80 |
9.19 |
18.80 |
6/12 |
Read More: IPL 2024: Team-wise list of injured players & their replacements
Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans)
Just like the other four players, another Australia pacer Spencer Johnson was under serious discussion. After a long bidding war with the Delhi Capitals, the Gujarat Titans (GT) finally earned his services for INR 10 crore.
Johnson has the ability to bring the ball into the right-handers using his left-arm angle. He also has pace and a great bouncer. With Mohammed Shami getting ruled out of the season, Johnson could be a great option with the new ball. He also has the knack of breaking partnerships.
With 39 T20 wickets in 32 games at an economy of 7.65, Johnson could be a great option for the Titans.
|
Year |
Mat |
Wkts |
Ave |
Eco |
SR |
4W |
|
BBL |
21 |
28 |
19.89 |
7.30 |
16.36 |
4/26 |
|
T20s |
32 |
39 |
21.69 |
7.65 |
17.0 |
4/26 |
Apart from these, Mumbai Indians’ Gerald Coetzee (60 T20 wickets in 42 games), Chennai Super Kings’ Daryl Mitchell (Strike rate of 135.29 in 195 T20s) or Punjab Kings’ Rilee Rossouw (Strike rate of 143.14 in 331 T20s) could be the other overseas players to watch out for.
The IPL 2024 will begin on March 22, 2024 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for the opener.
