IPL Auction Highlights: Major Signings and Surprising Unsold Players
Exciting Developments from the IPL Auction in Abu Dhabi
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16 showcased some thrilling moments. Notable signings included Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹9.20 crores, while West Indies' Jason Holder joined Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹7 crores. Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka, the top T20I run-scorer for his country, was picked up by Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹4 crores.
In addition to the international stars, Indian uncapped players also made headlines. MP batter Akshat Raghuvanshi was signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹2.2 crores, and left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav was acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹5.2 crores.
Nissanka, who had a base price of ₹75 lakhs, sparked a bidding war between KKR and DC, ultimately going to DC for ₹4 crores. He has amassed 2,345 runs for Sri Lanka at a strike rate of 126.96, including a century and 18 fifties. This year, he scored 625 T20I runs at an average of 36.76, showcasing his impressive form.
Jason Holder attracted interest from both CSK and GT, with his final price reaching ₹7 crores. Holder has taken 90 wickets in 64 T20 matches, averaging 21.54, and has been a key player for the West Indies in 86 T20Is, scoring 746 runs and taking 97 wickets.
Mustafizur entered the auction with a base price of ₹2 crores. After previously playing for DC as an injury replacement, he was pursued by both DC and CSK before KKR secured him for ₹9.20 crores. With 387 wickets in 308 matches, he brings significant experience to KKR.
Rahul Tripathi, a former KKR player, returned to the franchise for ₹75 lakhs after a challenging season with CSK. He previously scored 627 runs in 28 matches for KKR.
Australian all-rounder Matthew Short was signed by CSK for ₹1.5 crores, having performed well in the Big Bash League. Another Australian, who gained fame with a match-winning performance against India, was picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹3 crores.
KKR also acquired New Zealand's Tim Seifert for ₹1.5 crores, who has been a standout T20 player this year. Meanwhile, Akshat Raghuvanshi made his IPL debut with LSG after a successful run in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League.
RCB also added spinner Satwik Deswal to their roster for ₹30 lakhs, while Vidarbha's Danish Malewar was signed by MI for the same amount.
Sunrisers Hyderabad picked up Punjab's Salil Arora for ₹1.5 crores, who has been impressive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Several players, including Afghanistan's Sediqullah Atal and Australia's Sean Abbott, went unsold during the auction, alongside notable Indian players like Chetan Sakariya and Kuldeep Sen.