Daryl Mitchell celebrates a century against India in their World Cup semi-final in Mumbai. Photo: photosport
Daryl Mitchell was a big winner at the Indian Premier League player auction in Dubai, bought by the defending champion Chennai Super Kings for $2.7 million.
Mitchell - who starred with the bat at the Cricket World Cup - was the subject of a bidding war before the Stephen Fleming-coached Chennai offered the second biggest price ever paid for a Black Cap at the IPL.
Daryl Mitchell (R) and Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand run between the wicket during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 match between India and New Zealand Photo: Surjeet Yadav
The Super Kings also picked up young Black Caps allrounder Rachin Ravindra for $350,000 while pace bowler Lockie Ferguson is going to Royal Challengers Bangalore for $385,000.
Eight other Black Caps were unsold, including pace bowler Kyle Jamieson, who was picked up for a New Zealand record $2.86m three years ago by the Royal Challengers.
Stephen Fleming, coach of Chennai Superkings. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has gathered a coterie of Black Caps at the Super Kings, with Mitchell and Ravindra joining Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner, who were part of last year's title-winning side.
Mitchell's bid was the third biggest among 72 players who went under the hammer at the 10-team auction.
Mitchell Starc attracted an all-time competition record bid of $4.8m from the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Australian bowler Mitchell Starc. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
His sum eclipsed that of fellow-Australian pace bowler Pat Cummins, who is heading to Sunrisers Hyderabad for $3.9m, barely a month after leading his country to victory at the 50-over World Cup in India.
Five New Zealanders already had contracts secured for next season - Conway, Santner, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Glenn Phillips.
Black Caps in the 2024 IPL
Chennai Super Kings: Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner
Gujarat Titans: Kane Williamson
Rajasthan Royals: Trent Boult
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Glenn Phillips