Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg reckons Gujarat Titans will target Mitchell Starc in the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Starc has entered the IPL 2024 auction at a base price of INR 2 crores after last playing in the tournament in 2015 for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Meanwhile, Starc picked 16 wickets in 10 matches of the ODI World Cup and played a key role in taking Australia to glory for the sixth time. Starc has scalped 34 wickets in 27 IPL matches at an average of 20.38 and an economy rate of 7.17.

On the other hand, Mohammed Shami was retained by Gujarat Titans ahead of the auction. Shami ended the ODI World Cup as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in seven matches and he bowled with an impressive average of 10.71, including three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul.

GT has a remaining purse value of INR 38.15 crores, which is the highest in the auction for any team and they will look to add more strength to their squad.

“They have the most money to spend, and they are going to go hard out for Travis Head. They want an explosive opening batter and he is the man for the job. They also have enough money in the bank for a big overseas quick to really complement Shami in the bowling department, so watch out for Mitchell Starc,” said Hogg on his YouTube Channel.

Hogg added that if GT ropes in Mitchell Starc’s services, he will make a lethal combination with Mohammed Shami.

“He will be the man that GT picks up. He will be a great acquisition and don’t be scared GT fans, he will really come this time. Just imagine Shami and Starc opening the bowling for GT in the powerplay, they are going to be hard to beat,” Hogg added.

IPL 2024 mini-auction will be held in Dubai on 19th December on Tuesday.