Jason Gillespie 'delighted' for IPL millionaire Starc but questions Cummins' price tag

Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc caught every headline after they became the two most expensive players to be sold in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sunrisers Hyderabad roped in Pat Cummins for INR 20.5 crore, whereas Kolkata Knight Riders signed Mitchell Starc for a whopping INR 24.75 crore.

Seeing the sides break the bank for the two players, former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie was thoroughly impressed. Praising Starc’s performances over the years, the former pacer opined that his price was justifiable.

However, it was the price of Pat Cummins that did not sit well with Gillespie. He stated that Cummins’ best format is the longest one and that T20 cricket is not really where the World Cup winner excels.

"Pat's obviously a quality bowler and a quality leader; we've seen that. I just don't think T20 is his best format, I think he's a Test bowler, personally. I think Test cricket is his absolute bread and butter." Gillespie told SEN Radio

I think he’s a great buy: Gillespie

Furthermore, Gillespie also talked of KKR acquiring Mitchell Starc. He stated that he is delighted for Starc and his price tag just goes to show how much a left-arm pacer’s significance is to the various sides.

"I think he’s a great buy. It’s a lot of money; we all acknowledge that, but the IPL is a very rich tournament… I’m absolutely delighted for Mitch. I think it just highlights how important teams value left-arm fast bowling and left-arm swing bowling at pace,” Gillespie said.

Taking 34 wickets in 27 games at an average of 20.38, Starc has only played two seasons of the tournament and he would be keen on putting in brilliant performances in the 17th edition of the IPL as well. Representing two time champions Kolkata Knight Riders, it could be interesting to see how Starc fares in the cash-rich league in 2024.