IPL 2021 Auction: 5 Biggest Surprises Of The Auction

IPL auctions witness some events which surprise cricket fans and in the IPL 2021 Auction too, there were few things that came out as big surprises for everyone. 292 players were part of the auction out of which, there were 164 Indian players and 128 foreign players. 22 overseas players and 35 Indian players were bought by the franchises. 57 slots out of the available 61 were filled during IPL auction 2021.

The eight franchises namely Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings spent a massive amount of Rs. 145.30 crores during IPL 2021 auction. Many well-known players went unsold while many unexpected players invited a high price for themselves which came out as a big surprise. Here we look at the five biggest surprises in IPL 2021 auction.

IPL 2021 Auction: 5 Biggest Surprises

Chris Morris – Most Expensive Buy

Rajasthan Royals spent a whopping Rs. 16.25 crore to induct Chris Morris in their squad, making the South Africa all-rounder highest buy in the IPL history. Chris Morris only had a base price of Rs. 75 lakh, but a nail-biting bid war between Royal Challengers, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals boomed his price to Rs. 16.25 crore.

Chris Morris was not even part of the top reserve price in IPL 2021 auction , which stood at Rs. 2 crores, Rs. 1.5 crore and Rs. 1 crore. However, he surprised everyone to become the highest-ever purchase in IPL history.

Cheteshwar Pujara Sold To Chennai Super Kings

Cheteshwar Pujara, who could not find any buyer in IPL 2019 auction, was bought by Chennai Super Kings at his base price of Rs. 50 lakh. The Test specialist has a regular presence in the national team in Test matches, however, he has not played a single IPL tournament in the last 6 years.

Chennai Super Kings went ahead to buy Pujara during IPL 2021 auction. This was a great surprise as the right-handed batsman is not that popular in the shortest format of the game. CSK bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji mentioned that Pujara deserved the IPL contract due to his contribution to the Indian team. After being absent from the Indian Premier Leagues since 2015, Pujara’s selection in IPL auction 2021 amazed cricket fans.

Steve Smith Sold For Just 2.20 Crores

Experienced Australia cricketer Steve Smith was expected to invite a heavy bid for himself in IPL 2021 auction. However, he was sold at just Rs. 2.2 crores from his base price of Rs. 2 crores. Kolkata Knight Riders were the first franchise to bid for the Aussie batsman at his base price.

After Delhi Capitals entered the bid with Rs. 2.20 crore, KKR moved out of the bid. Hence, there was no bidding war for the right-handed batsman Smith as Delhi Capitals got him at Rs. 2.2 crores. Considering the reputation which Steve Smith has in international cricket, this comes a very small price for him.

Shakib-al-Hasan Sold For Just 3.20 Crores

Shakib-al-Hasan’s auction came out as another surprise in IPL 2021 auction. The Bangladesh all-rounder is a bonus option with his all-rounder profile. He was sold for just Rs. 3.20 crore against his base price of Rs. 2 crores. Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings engaged in a short battle for the Bangladesh all-rounder, before KKR eventually bought him for Rs. 3.20 crore.

Shakib-al-Hasan was a member of the KKR team which won the IPL trophies in 2012 and 2014. Later he moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 63 IPL matches, the 33-year-old accounts for 746 runs and 59 wickets.

Jhye Richardson Sold At Rs. 14 Crores

Debutant Jhye Richardson raised the eyebrows of cricket fans after he was sold to Punjab Kings for a whopping Rs. 14 crores. The 24-year-old youngster kept his base price at Rs. 1.5 crores, however, an exciting bidding battle between Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings made the Australia bowler one of the biggest buys in IPL 2021 auction.

Jhye Richardson is definitely a brilliant bowler but inviting a high price of Rs. 14 crores and that too in his debut IPL tournament are quite surprising. Jhye Richardson also has very little experience in international cricket, playing only 2 Tests, 12 ODIs and 9 T20Is so far.

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