IPL 2021: Punjab Kings CEO explains why they bought Jhye Richardson for 14 crores

Punjab Kings’ CEO Satish Menon has revealed the reason behind the franchise shelling out a whopping amount of Rs 14 crore to buy Jhye Richardson at the IPL 2021 auction. While Richardson was expected to get a big deal at the auction after his impressive display in the Big Bash League (BBL), not many had thought that he will get a multi-million dollar contract.

Richardson was the fourth most expensive player in this year’s auction behind Chris Morris, Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Maxwell. The Australia pacer earned the massive deal after finishing the last edition of the BBL as the highest wicket-taker. Richardson picked up 29 wickets at a stunning average of 16.31 and played a crucial role in Perth Scorchers’ march to the final where they lost to Sydney Sixers.

Jhye Richardson ✔️
Riley Meredith ✔️
Moises Henriques ✔️

Aussie hat-trick complete ? ??#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #IPLAuction2021

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 18, 2021

Richardson had registered himself at Rs 1.5 crore at the auction and triggered a bidding war. Royal Challengers Bangalore made the opening bid for the pacer before Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings entered the race. Punjab had initially dropped out before joining the race at Rs. 7.50 crore. In the end, they outbid Bangalore to sign up the right-arm pacer.

Jhye Richardson was always on our list, says Punjab Kings CEO

Speaking about Jhye Richardson, Menon revealed that the pacer was ‘always on our list’. Calling him one of the finest in white-ball cricket, Menon said Richardson’s ability to bowl at any stage of the game made the franchise go big for him. Richardson’s ability with the bat also played a role in his huge IPL contract, according to Menon.

“Jhye was always on our list. He is one of the finest components with the ball in white-ball cricket. We stretched ourselves for Chris Morris but Rajasthan Royals got hold of him. Jhye’s ability to bowl at any stage of the match gives us the flexibility we were looking for. And obviously, he is a very handy player with the bat as well. We are really excited to witness Jhye in Punjab Kings jersey in IPL,” Menon told WION.

In addition to buying Richardson, Punjab Kings also bought Riley Meredith, Fabian Allen, Moises Henriques and Dawid Malan. The Punjab-based outfit are eyeing their first IPL title and would be desperate to bounce back after failing to make it to the playoffs in IPL 2020.