Chennai: The 2016 Indian Premier League auctions got off to an exciting start with big bids involved and two new franchises — Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG) and Gujarat Lions making their presence felt.
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who had a base price of Rs 2 crore, attracted the highest bid from the Vijay Mallya-owned Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The only player to twice win Player of the Tournament went for Rs 9.5 crore. The former Rajasthan Royals star was the subject of intense bidding from RPSG, before Mumbai Indians (MI) joined the race. However, RCB won the race for his signature.
Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh remained in the list of most expensive players after he was sold for Rs 7 crore to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He was joined by 36-year old Ashish Nehra, who was snapped up for Rs 5.5 crore. Both Yuvraj and Nehra are members of the India’s World T20 squad.
The two new franchises snapped up a few high-profile names in Saturday’s opening rounds. Kevin Pietersen, who has done well in the recently concluded Big Bash League, went to the Pune franchise for Rs 3.5 crore. He was joined by Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma for Rs 3.8 crore.
The Intex-owned Gujarat Lions opted for West Indian T20 specialist Dwayne Smith, who they bought for Rs 2.3 crore. They also added South African paceman Dale Steyn for Rs 2.3 crore.
Wicket-keepers were highly sought after this time around. Young keeper Sanju Samson, who impressed for his state Kerala in the national T20 meet, was snapped up by Delhi Daredevils for Rs 4.2 crore. Similarly, in-form English wicket-keeper Jos Buttler was subject to bidding war between MI and KKR. He was finally sold to the Mumbai Indians for Rs 3.8 crore. Similarly, IPL journeyman Dinesh Karthik was sold to Gujarat Lions for Rs 2.3 crore.
One of the surprise picks among all-rounders was South African Chris Morris, who with a base price of Rs50 lakh, was eventually sold for Rs7 crore, after several suitors were involved in a round of bidding. However, a late bid from the Delhi Daredevils, their only bid in the round, won them Morris’ services.
Surprisingly, there were no takers for two of the most explosive opening batsmen in limited-overs cricket, Martin Guptill (New Zealand) and Aaron Finch (Australia). Retired players like Mahela Jayawardene, Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin all received the cold shoulder from franchises. However, the rules of the auction mandate that any unsold player may be recalled for bids, if the franchises nominate the said player.
