Even though New Zealand lost to India in the 2023 World Cup semifinal, Daryl Mitchell displayed exceptional form by achieving his second century against the hosts in the tournament.
While chasing a challenging 398 for a spot in the final, Mitchell scored an impressive 134 runs in 119 balls before getting caught by Ravindra Jadeja off Mohammed Shami’s bowling. His innings was marked by a perfect blend of elegance and calmness.
Mitchell perfectly timed his moments, hitting nine fours and seven sixes, including the tournament’s longest shot at 107 meters when he smashed a delivery from Jadeja.
Mitchell, who took some time to establish himself in international cricket, is now a preferred choice for the Blackcaps across formats due to his reliability and adaptability in batting order adjustments.
In T20s overall, Mitchell’s stats are impressive, with an average of 30.79 and a strike rate of 135.14. In 169 innings, he has scored 18 half-centuries.
Mitchell, who played a few games for Rajasthan Royals in 2022, scoring only 33 runs, is expected to be in demand at the IPL 2024 auction due to his recent good form. Here are three teams that should target him:
#3 Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK, the current IPL champions, have a strong overseas lineup, but concerns about Ben Stokes’ knee surgery might open up a slot for a batting all-rounder like Mitchell.
Despite being 32, his versatility in batting, especially against spin, could be valuable for CSK’s flexible lineup. Even if his bowling isn’t top-notch, CSK has enough all-rounders, making Mitchell a suitable addition to the team.
#2 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), facing challenges in balancing their overseas lineup, have traditionally relied on the West Indian pair of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.
However, their fast bowling department needs improvement. Despite having Jason Roy and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as top-order match-winners, Mitchell could serve as a valuable backup, especially considering his potential comfort at Eden Gardens.
KKR has struggled with overseas backups in the past, and Mitchell’s versatility could make him a fitting choice to cover multiple roles based on the team’s needs. He seems like a logical consideration for their plans in IPL 2024.
#1 Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans, making an impact since their debut in 2022, seek more overseas options after facing challenges with injuries and form. Mitchell stands out for his consistency and T20 match-winning abilities.
If David Miller has an off season in IPL 2024, Mitchell could step in, providing flexibility in the batting order. A return to the league for Mitchell seems likely, and the Titans might consider him as a smart buy in the IPL 2024 auction.
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