IPL 2024: AB de Villiers calls star all-rounder 'overpaid' for quite a few years', praises MI for steal buy

IPL 2024: South Africa legend AB de Villiers has called England and Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder Sam Curran 'overpaid' and pointed out that the 25-year-old has not done anything special in the last few years.

Notably, Sam Curran became the costliest ever buy in the history of the IPL after PBKS bought him for Rs 18.50 crore in IPL 2023 auction. Pat Cummins (20.50 crore to KKR) and Mitchell Starc (24.75 crore) broke his record in the IPL 2024 auction.

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Curran scored 276 runs at an average of 27.60 in 14 IPL 2023 matches and picked 10 wickets at an average of 48.90 and an economy rate of 10.22.

“I don't like to be controversial. But, in my opinion, he's been overpaid for quite a few years now. He's not a bad player; I like him. He's had a fantastic World Cup, but that's quite a few years back. I don't think he's had a very good IPL recently. Also, for England, he hasn't played exceptionally well,” de Villiers said.

“He can turn things around like most world class players can. Nothing against Sam Curran. I still think he's a wonderful player. I just think he's been overpaid for a few years. Maybe it would have been a good move for them to let him go to open up some funds to buy different players,” he added.

The South African praised five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) for their making good buys at the IPL 2024 Auction. Considering the expensive buys at the mini-auction held in Dubai on Tuesday, de Villiers said MI was lucky to get Gerald Coetzee for Rs 5 crore.

"Nuwan Thushara and Dilshan Madushanka - two fantastic players. Also, Mohammad Nabi and Shreyas Gopal two very good buys for their price. They can offer you a lot. I think they did pretty well. All the young bowlers will feed off Jasprit Bumrah. I absolutely love the look of Coetzee, Madushanka and Thushara," he added.

"I faced this guy (Gerlad Coetzee) about 6-7 years ago. I think he was 18 or 19 years old and he impressed me a lot. He had a lot of steam, a lot of presence. He was in my face in that game. He is going to the mighty Mumbai Indians only for Rs 5 crore. That's a lot of money, but if you compare it to some other players, this was a steal."