Legendary former fast-bowler Jason Gillespie has raised doubts about the whopping $3.67 million (INR 20.5 crore) Indian Premier League contract awarded to Australian skipper Pat Cummins, labeling the deal as “massive overs”.
Cummins, who recently led Australia to a World Cup victory, was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad after an intense bidding war involving the Chennai Super Kings, the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and the Mumbai Indians.
Gillespie, a veteran of over 150 matches for Australia and the coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League since 2015, expressed his belief that Cummins’ T20 performances might not justify the staggering contract.
“Pat’s undeniably a top-quality bowler and leader, no doubt. However, I feel T20 might not be his forte. In my view, he excels more as a Test bowler. Test cricket is where he truly shines,” Gillespie remarked.
“He’s good in T20s, don’t get me wrong. But that price tag seems excessive to me,” he added.
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For a brief period, Cummins held the record for being the IPL’s most expensive purchase until the Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Australian teammate Mitchell Starc for a whopping $4.43 million (INR 24.75 crore).
Gillespie, contrasting his opinion on Starc’s record-breaking deal, highlighted the significance teams place on left-arm fast bowling and left-arm swing at pace.
“I think it emphasizes the value placed on left-arm fast bowling, particularly with swing, at high speeds. He’s a fantastic acquisition. Although it’s a substantial sum, the IPL is a lucrative league… I’m genuinely happy for Mitch,” Gillespie commented on Starc’s acquisition.
The IPL auction witnessed considerable interest in Australian bowlers, with Brisbane Heat’s Spencer Johnson securing a deal worth INR 10 crore from the Gujarat Titans following a competitive bidding battle with the Delhi Capitals. Additionally, the Capitals added seamer Jhye Richardson to their roster for INR 5 crore.
–IANS
