Signing of Daryl Mitchell by Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a significant move by securing New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell for the upcoming IPL 2024 auction in Dubai. The franchise successfully signed Mitchell for a substantial amount of 14 crores during the auction held on Tuesday.
The Bidding Process
Before joining CSK, Mitchell was part of a lengthy bidding process involving Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). CSK entered the bidding after a prolonged wait, engaging with PBKS in a competitive process. However, Mitchell, who missed the bidding race initially, eventually joined CSK.
Daryl Mitchell as a Potential Replacement
Mitchell is considered a potential replacement for English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was released by CSK before the auction. Head coach Stephen Fleming, however, had a different perspective on Stokes, stating that he had only played one game and did not perform on a grand scale. Fleming highlighted Mitchell’s unique playing style, emphasizing his recent impressive performances over the last 18-24 months.
Daryl Mitchell’s Unique Qualities
Fleming described Mitchell as an “unfashionable” player who often flies under the radar. He praised Mitchell’s spinning ability, noting that he is a competitive player and a valuable bowler. Fleming expressed confidence in fitting Mitchell into a specific role at Chepauk, highlighting his good fit and value as a strategic purchase for CSK.
Impressive Performance in One Day World Cup
Mitchell’s acquisition comes after a remarkable performance in the One Day World Cup earlier this year. Teams were eager to spend money on Kiwi players, with Mitchell standing out for scoring 552 runs with an average of 69.00 and an impressive strike rate of 111.06.
Previous Stint with Rajasthan Royals
In 2022, Mitchell was part of the Rajasthan Royals, playing two matches for the franchise after being acquired at his base price of 75 lakhs. Interestingly, the 32-year-old player had remained unsold in the previous auction, where he was listed at a base price of 1 crore.
Daryl Mitchell T20I Stats
Known for his contributions in the middle order, Mitchell boasts an average of 24.86 in 56 T20 International matches. His all-round abilities make him a valuable addition to CSK’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming IPL season.