David Warner puzzled by former SRH's surprising Instagram move, shares odd screenshots from IPL 2024 Auction.

David Warner, a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) from 2014 to 2021 and the captain who led them to victory in the 2016 IPL, found himself astonished by a surprising move from his former franchise during the IPL 2024 Auction. Mitchell Starc, the Australian pacer, secured the title of the IPL's most expensive player with an impressive bid of INR 24.75 crore from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Previously, during the same auction held in Dubai, Australia's captain Pat Cummins briefly held the record for the highest bid at INR 20.5 crore, courtesy of a significant offer from Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, Mitchell Starc surpassed this mark in a dramatic bidding war, leaving Cummins in the wake of his staggering bid.

Cummins, fresh from leading Australia to the 50-overs World Cup title, entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings initially expressed interest, but a two-way bidding war ensued, with Royal Challengers Bangalore persistently pursuing Cummins. Ultimately, it was Sunrisers Hyderabad who secured his services, marking a significant turn of events given Warner's history with the franchise.

Meanwhile, Starc, making a return after an eight-year absence, generated immediate interest, with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals initially competing for him. Kolkata Knight Riders eventually emerged victorious, outbidding Gujarat Titans with a colossal INR 24.75 crore bid for the 33-year-old left-arm pace bowler.

Adding to the intrigue, Warner, who had left Sunrisers Hyderabad on strained terms, commented on his former teammates fetching substantial amounts in the auction. Warner, left out of the XI mid-way through the 2021 season despite captaining the side, revealed interesting details about his relationship with SRH. After the fallout, he was bought back by Delhi Capitals for the 2022 edition, where he initially made his IPL debut.