IPL 2021 Auction: 3 most surprising signings of Indian players
The recently concluded 2021 auction saw some of the most spooky deals getting abstracted by various franchises. Although one was immaculately aware of the anticipated bull run getting exhibited by the superior class of overseas pace bowlers and all-rounders, no one knew about the severe downhill faced by the overseas batters. In that sense then one can highly appreciate the way uncapped have bagged some of the most exquisite contracts. But in addition to that, there were some shrewd underdogs who aptly by reducing their base price did grab the ticket for the 2021 IPL. So here’s our list of three such Indian players who received an IPL contract in an unexpected manner.
3. Shahrukh Khan
When you get a certain “Shahrukh Khan” in your side ?? @PunjabKingsIPL @Vivo_India #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/z4te9w2EIZ
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 18, 2021
This young cricketer’s muscular batting in the 2021 SMAT had become a big talk for a while and hence was expected to bag an IPL contract. However, what was really dazzling was how teams like Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings got involved in a bidding war to acquire this young lad. Eventually, it was the Punjab Kings who had the final say thus fetching him for a colossal amount of 5.25 crores. His proposition of being a handy powerful hitter who can play some jaunty cameos in the lower-order, along with some spin bowling was actually one of the voids of the PBKS side and hence the management decided to walk an extra mile to acquire him. All in all, one can also anticipate him to make it to the playing XI.
2. Chetan Sakariya
Being the sixth-highest wicket-taker in the SMAT 2021, the left-handed pacer was fetched by Rajasthan Royals for a sizable amount of 1.2 crores. Prior to this auction, the pacer was previously seen giving trials at the camps of MI and RR. To acquire him at his base price of 20 lakh, both RR and the RCB did jump into a bidding war but eventually, the Royals had the final say. In terms of his fit, one can immaculately call him a direct replacement of Jaydev Unadkat. All in all, he does look like an exciting proposition and it will be interesting to see whether he gets to play some games or no.
1. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara to CSK, sold!
A heartwarming moment form the #IPLAuction ?pic.twitter.com/jjDFIVwLxR
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) February 19, 2021
Pujara’s acquisition by Chennai Super Kings can either be called a steal deal or an underdog move. Prior to the auction, Pujara had open-heartedly expressed his desire of becoming a part of the upcoming IPL and here’s now its manifestation. In terms of acquiring him, CSK was only a lone bidder thereby buying him at his base price of 50 lakh. In terms of his fit, although CSK does have a jam-packed batting order Pujara looks a valuable back up into the side. To try him out, one can pair him on top with Faf Du Plessis and hence the right hander’s infusion does look exciting.
