The IPL auction sees yet another Aussie pace ace join the ranks
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have always been fond of Australian pacers. From the tournament's inception in 2008, they've welcomed some of the world's best speedsters into their ranks. With each season, the Knights have reinforced this tradition, making it clear that Aussie bowlers hold a special place in their squad. The IPL 2025 mega auction continued this trend with the addition of left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson, a rising star in international cricket.
Amader Knights for #IPL2025, Kolkata! 💜 pic.twitter.com/xZO19jkbPN
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 25, 2024
KKR made smart moves during the IPL 2025 mega auction. With a limited budget, they retained four key players from their IPL 2024-winning team, including Venkatesh Iyer, for a whopping ₹23.75 crore. Their new signings included star names like Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, and Moeen Ali. Among these additions, Spencer Johnson stood out as a strategic pick, acquired for ₹2.8 crore. KKR's focus on bolstering their pace attack signals their intent for the upcoming season.
Brett Lee joined KKR in 2011 for ₹1.8 crores. Known for his fiery pace, Lee played 25 matches, picking up 16 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.58. His contribution was instrumental in KKR clinching their maiden IPL title in 2012. Lee's fiery opening delivery in IPL 2013 remains etched in fans' memories for Unmukt Chand getting bowled. Although his time with the franchise was brief, Lee's legacy set the tone for KKR's preference for Aussie quicks.
Pat Cummins, one of the most successful Australian bowlers for KKR, played two stints with the team (2014–2015 and 2020–2022). Over 30 matches, he scalped 30 wickets at an economy of 8.73. KKR invested heavily in him, spending ₹37.75 crores across multiple auctions. Cummins was a part of KKR's victorious 2014 campaign, reinforcing his value as a match-winner.
Several Australian pacers had short-lived stints with KKR but left their mark.
Although he was purchased for ₹1 crore, he played only two matches before injuries sidelined him; hence, his impact and price often receive less emphasis.
Bought for ₹3.5 crore, but his stellar performance of 15 wickets in eight matches was the focus, leaving the price less highlighted in this context.
Secured for ₹2 crore, but his underwhelming stint of just two wickets across six games might have led to his price being overlooked.
KKR made headlines by acquiring Mitchell Starc for a record-breaking ₹24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction. The left-arm pacer justified his price tag by taking 17 wickets in 14 matches. Starc was a key player in KKR's title-winning campaign, especially in the playoffs, where he dismantled Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting lineup with his fiery spells.
Spencer Johnson has had an impressive, albeit short, career. He burst onto the international scene in a T20I against South Africa in Durban last year. Since then, he has claimed notable milestones. His standout performance came against Pakistan, where he recorded the best figures by an Australian pacer in Men's T20Is—5 for 26.
Johnson's ability to deliver in pressure situations is well-documented. Earlier this year, his heroics in the Big Bash League final saw him earn the Player of the Match award. He also turned heads in The Hundred by bowling 19 dot balls in 20 deliveries on debut. These feats highlight his knack for control and precision—qualities that KKR will look to harness. As a left-arm pacer, Johnson adds variety to their bowling attack, making him a potential X-factor. Now, it's Spencer Johnson's turn to carry forward this legacy.
