The World’s richest cricketing league (IPL) since its inception has been changing the lives of players, from a Financial prospect as well as professional prospects. One player who received the nod from an IPL franchise this year is the talented left-arm fast-medium bowler Spencer Johnson, who was picked by Gujarat Titans for 10 Crores.
Spencer Johnson has been making a name for himself in various domestic cricketing leagues like The Hundred, Big Bash, and Major League Cricket. But over a year ago he was not even playing T20s but after the IPL 2024 Mini Auction ended, Johnson became an IPL millionaire just like his seniors in the National team.
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc both attracted a lot of interest from various franchises, the youngster hailing from Southern Australia thought that he would not stand a chance. Cummins and Starc pocketed deals of 20.50 Crores and 24.75 Crores respectively but none of them could have gotten those deals had it been their first ever IPL auction.
In that sense, Spencer Johnson did very well, bagging a multi-million contract from the 2022 IPL champions. Although he is yet to become a regular starter for Australia IPL is the type of platform that can pave the way for him. At 28 years of age, Spencer Johnson could also be running out of time and that is why the 2024 IPL edition is going to be crucial for him.
“It’s obviously a pretty special moment, I never really thought I’d be in this situation. But it was nice to get on FaceTime back home in Adelaide with mum and to see her smile. It’s not just my moment, I guess it’s a moment for my whole family and they’ve been there the whole way. So for them to experience it as well, it’s pretty special.” – said Johnson after the auction.
“I think the longer it went, I guess you start to lose a little bit of hope. So the longer it was going, I think the less chance I had. But at the end of the day I was in a position where I was in the auction, and this time last year I wasn’t. So whatever happened was going to happen, and anything would have been a good result.” – Johnson concluded.
“My Real Strength Lies In Red-Ball Cricket, It Is The Format I Would Prefer”, Affirms Spencer Johnson
In the same interview, Spencer Johnson added that his real strength lies in the longest format of the game. He feels his body will allow him to perform better in Red ball cricket and the 28-year-old is eagerly waiting for his chance to come. “Ideally, I’d like to play more red ball. I think my body’s just let me down over the last few years but my body’s hardening and I’m getting ready to play, hopefully, some longer format cricket which is, I feel, my better format.”
Spencer Johnson has appeared for Australia only once in ODIs and has 2 wickets in 2 T20 Internationals for the Baggy Greens.