Aakash Chopra questioned the strategy of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024 auction, especially regarding their pursuit of Mitchell Starc. Aakash Chopra pointed out that the Titans stopped bidding, despite having a significant amount remaining in their purse.
Mitchell Starc ignited a bidding war between the franchises during the auction. The intense bidding between the Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders surpassed previous records. The Kolkata-based franchise secured Starc for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore in the auction.
Gujarat Titans Could Have Gone Till 25 As Well – Aakash Chopra
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra pointed out that the Gujarat Titans could have extended their bid to pursue Mitchell Starc. Chopra suggested they had the financial capacity to go even higher in their pursuit of Starc.
“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,” Chopra said.
“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,” he added.
The Titans entered the auction with Rs 38.15 crore to acquire a maximum of eight players, including two foreigners. During the auction, they made significant investments in players such as Spencer Johnson, Shahrukh Khan, Umesh Yadav, and Robin Minz.
The IPL 2022 champions invested Rs 10 crore in acquiring Spencer Johnson to reinforce their overseas seam-bowling prowess. The 28-year-old Australian left-arm pacer has a track record of 17 wickets in 20 T20 matches and an impressive economy rate of 7.84.
Gujarat Titans Could Have Taken Gerald Coetzee – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra suggested that the Gujarat Titans could have considered acquiring Gerald Coetzee instead of Spencer Johnson. Chopra expressed uncertainty about how well Johnson would adapt to the IPL environment, presenting a mixed stance on the acquisition.
“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,” Chopra further stated.
“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.”
The five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians secured the services of Gerald Coetzee for Rs 5 crore in the auction. Coetzee is familiar with Indian conditions and emerged as the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in the 2023 World Cup in India.
Also read: IPL 2024 Auction: ‘Hardik Pandya Is Not A Finished Product As Captain’ – Aakash Chopra
