Mitchell was snapped up at the IPL auction by Chennai Super Kings for $2.8 million following an intense bidding war.
The 32-year-old Black Caps star moved to Lincoln with his family in 2020 after joining Canterbury Cricket. He is registered for the Lincoln club – but domestic and international commitments mean he’s only turned out once for the club.
In that match against Leeston-Southbridge in October 2020, Mitchell scored 90 off just 64 balls with eight sixes – an early sign of the form that would propel him into the Black Caps just months later.
“The results he’s had in all formats of the game over the last few years have been pretty spectacular,” he said.
“It’s probably quite a long way from when he did make his debut for the club.”
Clark said Mitchell helps out where he can, despite not being able to play.
“He’s been very generous with donating signed playing kit for fundraisers we have at the club, that kind of thing.
“It’s much appreciated from our perspective. If he can’t necessarily play for the club it’s the one thing he can do.”
There were a number of club members watching on Sky as Mitchell went up for auction, including Clark, who said it was “cool” to see.
“We knew that Daryl was up in the second group of players to be auctioned,” he said.
“And we were, I guess, sort of hopeful that he would get the competition for his services but I don’t think we could’ve dreamed of the number it got to.”
Clark and everyone else will be sure to cheer Mitchell and his new team on when the IPL season begins in March.
By Sam Coughlan
