Spencer Johnson on IPL auction: “Longer it went, fewer chances”

Spencer Johnson, an Australian pacer, expressed his belief that his chances of being selected by a team during the Indian Premier League mini-auction were reduced. Johnson didn’t participate in any T20I matches a year ago, but on December 19, 2023, he won the IPL and became a millionaire. There would be a mini-auction ahead of IPL 2024, with only thirty overseas spots up for grabs. Due to the limited number of seats, the 28-year-old speedster thought his chance might not present itself. However, he ultimately joined players who went for large salaries, such as Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, and Mitchell Starc.

After the former IPL champions paid Rs 10 crore to acquire his services, the Gujarat Titans became his new team. “I suppose you start to lose a little bit of hope the longer it went on. Therefore, I believe that my chances decreased the longer it went on. Ultimately, though, I found myself in an auction situation, whereas at this time last year, I was not. According to ESPNcricinfo, he stated, “So whatever happened was going to happen, and anything would have been a good result.”

Johnson has played franchise cricket for a considerable amount of experience. He has been featured in the Canadian Global T20, MLC, and Hundred, and he has been targeted by league teams. Throughout those tournaments, he claimed nine wickets in nine games. It’s clear that this is a unique occasion; I never would have imagined finding myself in this predicament. However, it was pleasant to see my mother smile when we spoke on FaceTime from our home in Adelaide. It’s not just my moment; I suppose my entire family is celebrating as well, and they have supported me the entire time. Therefore, it’s quite special for them to experience it as well,” Johnson remarked.

The speedster feels that his true strengths are in the red-ball game, despite the fact that he left with a hefty price tag. “I would like to play more red ball, ideally. I believe that over the past few years, my body has simply failed me, but I’m getting ready to play some longer format cricket, which I believe to be my better format, as my body is hardening,” Johnson continued.