IPL 2023: 5 blunders made by franchises in auction

The IPL 2023 auction culminated on December 23 and the franchises left no stone unturned to add top-drawer players to their arsenal. One witnessed the gun all-rounders such as Sam Curran (INR 18.5 crore) and Ben Stokes (INR 16.25 crore) fetching big bucks at the marquee event.

But teams were also smart enough to rope in some established T20 stars at a reasonable price. For instance, Punjab Kings picked Sikandar Raza for INR 50 lakh and Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Shakib Al Hasan for INR 1.5 crore in steal deals. However, there were certain strategies at the auction table that raised a lot of eyebrows and seemed like blunders.

Here 5 blunders made by franchises during the IPL 2023 auction:

5. Delhi Capitals’ signing Mukesh Kumar for INR 5.5 crore

Mukesh Kumar has been a consistent performer in the Indian domestic circuit. The 29-year-old has picked up 123 wickets in 33 first-class matches at an average of 21.49. Also, he has fared well in the shortest format, bagging 25 scalps in 23 matches at an economy of 7.20.

Delhi Capitals liked what they saw in the Bengal pacer and went all guns blazing to acquire him at the IPL 2023 auction. Eventually, DC signed Mukesh for INR 5.5 crore. Though the ace pacer has been phenomenal in the domestic arena, one could question whether it was wise decision to spend such a hefty sum for the seamer.

Notably, Mukesh has neither played any international game nor has he featured in the IPL so far. Further, the Delhi franchise already had quality Indian pacers in Khaleel Ahmed, Chetan Sakariya, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti. Therefore, they would have been fine despite not picking him.