Former Australian leg-spinner Brad Hogg has reckoned that Rajasthan Royals paid a heck a lot of money to grab the services of South African all-rounder Chris Morris.
Chris Morris, who was released by the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the IPL 2021 auction, insinuated a bidding war among the likes of Mumbai Indians, his previous employer RCB, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
Eventually, it was Rajasthan Royals who won the bidding war and claimed the services of Chris Morris for a head-spinning sum of Rs 16.25 Crores.
Thanks to RR’s record-breaking deal, Chris Morris has now become the most expensive player ever bought in an IPL auction.
However, Brad Hogg feels that the dynamics of the mini-auction were such that Rajasthan Royals had to break the bank for the services of an elite all-rounder like Morris.
“The bids led the Rajasthan Royals bid for Chris Morris at a high price. And again, I think he is overpriced. But he is a man that you do want in your team. There wasn’t much in the auction in the all-round department,” Brad Hogg said in a video published on his official Youtube channel.
Most expensive video you'll see on the internet today..😉 #HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily | #IPLAuction | #IPLAuction2021 | @Tipo_Morris pic.twitter.com/ZG8nMoEfKH
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 18, 2021
Rajasthan Royals ‘Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara recently explained the reason behind the Jaipur-led franchise going all-out for Chris Morris.
According to Sangakkara, since Ben Stokes will not be bowling too many overs as part of his workload management, the Royals needed someone who can contribute with both bat and ball and who can be an ideal foil for Jofra Archer in the seam-bowling department.
In this regard, Brad Hogg said:
“Rajasthan Royals wanted an all-rounder. They wanted someone who is a clean hitter to finish off innings and also someone who is very good with the new ball and handy with the old ball in the death overs. He is a perfect fit considering that Stokes is not going to bowl too many overs through this IPL.” said Brad Hogg.