Daryl Mitchell, the 32-year-old cricketer from New Zealand, found himself in an unexpected and exciting situation. While he was at home in New Zealand, preparing a special gift for his daughter’s fifth birthday, the IPL Auction was unfolding thousands of kilometers away in Dubai.
Mitchell’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had seen a mix of experiences. In 2022, the Rajasthan Royals had picked him up for his base price of INR 75 Lakh. However, his stint was brief, playing only two games before being released. The subsequent auction for the 2023 season did not see any takers initially, leaving Mitchell unsold. However, a dynamic 18 months, marked by a notable performance in the ODI World Cup in India, turned the tide in his favor.
This time around, three franchises were keen on acquiring Mitchell’s services. The Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings were engaged in a fierce bidding war, driving up the price from his modest base of INR 1 Crore. However, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a team with a rich history and five-time champions, eventually secured Mitchell for a whopping INR 14 Crore.
Reflecting on the auction, Mitchell expressed the profound impact the experience had on him and his family. He vividly described the anticipation and excitement as his name came up during the bidding process. Having gone unsold in a previous auction, the thrill of being sought after by multiple teams was a special moment for Mitchell and his family.
“As a family, it was obviously a pretty special night, sitting here with my wife watching the whole auction. To see your name come up and then to go through that whole experience is definitely something that will stick with us for the rest of our lives,” Mitchell shared.
The bidding war was primarily between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, with CSK entering the fray at INR 12 Crore. As the price soared to INR 13.75 Crore, it seemed like Punjab Kings might secure Mitchell. However, in a last-minute move, CSK raised their bid to INR 14 Crore, sealing the deal and leaving Punjab Kings to withdraw. Mitchell, now part of CSK, acknowledged the significance of the life-changing contract in securing his family’s future.
“She [his daughter] has got a pretty good present, waking up to that – not that she understands what’s going on. But that’s the whole thing about these sorts of situations – it helps set up your family in many ways so that they can grow up and enjoy the things they love. For me, that’s the really cool thing about it. They’re the ones that are the reason why you do all this,” Mitchell remarked.
Apart from the financial aspect, Mitchell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play under the captaincy of the most successful IPL captain. Joining CSK also meant having familiar faces in the team, as Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra, fellow New Zealand players, were also part of the CSK squad acquired in the recent auctions for INR 1.80 Crore.
As Mitchell looks forward to the upcoming IPL season, he acknowledges the joy of not only securing a significant contract but also being part of a team with a rich legacy and camaraderie among familiar faces. The unexpected turn of events during the auction night has not only changed Mitchell’s professional trajectory but has also provided his family with newfound stability and opportunities.
Mitchell’s story is not just about cricket and auctions; it’s a tale of perseverance, resilience, and the sweet taste of success after facing uncertainties. It’s a celebration of family and the transformative power of a single moment that can shape the course of one’s life.