Daryl Mitchell, the New Zealand all-rounder, became the second-most expensive player in the IPL 2024 auction after being bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 14 crore. Mitchell, who had a base price of Rs 2 crore, was involved in a fierce bidding war between Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Chennai Super Kings.
Mitchell’s Profile and Performance
Mitchell, 31, is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. He made his international debut in 2019 and has played 12 ODIs and 14 T20Is for New Zealand. He has scored 374 runs and taken 18 wickets in ODIs, and 237 runs and 13 wickets in T20Is. He was also part of the New Zealand squad that won the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE.
Mitchell has played in various T20 leagues around the world, such as the Caribbean Premier League, the T20 Blast, and the Super Smash. He has scored 1,740 runs and taken 67 wickets in 97 T20 matches. He has a strike rate of 135.64 with the bat and an economy rate of 8.16 with the ball.
Mitchell’s Role and Value for CSK
Mitchell will join CSK as an overseas all-rounder, who can provide depth and balance to the squad. He can bat in the middle order and bowl in the powerplay and the death overs. He can also field well and has a good temperament and attitude.
Mitchell will add to the firepower and versatility of CSK, who are the five-time IPL champions and the defending title holders. He will join the likes of MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Mitchell Santner in the CSK camp. He will also reunite with his New Zealand teammates Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, who were also bought by CSK in the auction.
Mitchell’s Reaction and Expectations
Mitchell was delighted and surprised by his IPL deal, which made him the most expensive New Zealand player in the history of the league. He said he was watching the auction on his phone and was shocked by the bidding war. He thanked CSK for showing faith in him and said he was looking forward to playing under Dhoni and alongside some of the best players in the world.
Mitchell said he was excited to experience the IPL, which is the biggest and the most competitive T20 league in the world. He said he was ready to adapt to the conditions and the challenges and contribute to the team’s success. He also said he was eager to learn from the CSK coaching staff and the senior players and improve his skills and game.
