The Records, Surprises, and Notable Unsold Players of the IPL Auction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions are always a spectacle, with millions of dollars spent on new players and teams trying to build the perfect squad. While some players get sold for handsome sums, some surprise us with their deals, and others languish unsold. In this article, we’ll delve into the records, surprises, and notable unsold players of the latest IPL auction.
Records Set in the Auction
The 2020 IPL auction saw some mind-boggling deals, with some players fetching record-breaking amounts:
- Kane Williamson’s colossal deal: The New Zealand captain broke the record for the highest paid Indian cricketer, with a staggering ₹16.5 crores (approximately $2.3 million) earned from the Hyderabad franchise.
- Chris Morris’s massive payday: The South African all-rounder was the most expensive player, earning a whopping ₹16.25 crores (approximately $2.2 million) from the Rajasthan Royals.
- Glenn Maxwell’s record-breaking deal: The Australian all-rounder, known for his flashy style, joined the Kings XI Punjab for a staggering ₹10.75 crores (approximately $1.5 million).
Surprises in the Auction
Not all deals were predictable, and some surprises stole the show:
- D’Arcy Short’s unexpected deal: The Australian opener, known for his aggressive batting, was picked up by the Mumbai Indians for a surprising ₹5.4 crores (approximately $750,000).
- Tushar Deshpande’s comeuppance: The young Indian fast bowler was sold to the Kolkata Knight Riders for a surprising 5 crores (approximately $680,000), considering his limited experience.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s mysterious deal: The Afghan leg-spinner was picked up by the Delhi Capitals for a relatively modest 1.5 crores (approximately $200,000), despite his impressive performances in the international arena.
Notable Unsold Players
Not all players were fortunate enough to find a buyer, leaving some established and talented cricketers in the lurch. A few notable unsold players include:
- Robin Uthappa: The seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, a veteran of the Indian Test and ODI teams, went unsold despite his impressive record in domestic cricket.
- Rumman Raees: The young Pakistani fast bowler, known for his pace and accuracy, was overlooked despite a decent record in international T20 cricket.
- Yasir Shah: The experienced leg-spinner, who has played multiple series for Pakistan, was unsold, much to the surprise of many cricket enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the 2020 IPL auction saw some jaw-dropping deals, unexpected surprises, and notable omissions. While some teams built their squads by splurging on high-profile players, others had to make do with more modest picks. As the tournament unfolds, fans will be eager to see how these new arrivals and seasoned players perform, making this year’s IPL season even more thrilling!
