Abhimanyu Mithun Becomes Most Expensive Player in KPL

Fast-bowler Abhimanyu Mithun became the most expensive player in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) after being bought for INR 8.3 lakh by its franchise Shivamogga Lions at during the auction on Saturday (July 21).

Mithun drew the highest bid in Pool A. Eventually, INR 8.3 lakh amount shelled out on him went on to beat INR 7.2 lakh paid for Krishnappa Gowtham and Amit Verma, last year.

However, in Pool B, M. Nidish drew the highest bid. Experienced player Robin Uthappa also bagged INR 7.9 lakh deal from Bengaluru Blasters (BB). Verma also got a lucrative INR 7.6 lakh deal from Mysuru Warriors (MW).

Three teams; Lions, Ballari Tuskers and Bengaluru Blasters – went neck-to-neck to sign Mithun.

As a result, the price soared before the Lions won the race. Along with his bowling, Abhimanyu Mithun also has the ability to hit the ball far.

His match-winning 12-ball 32 in the semifinals for Bijapur Bulls, last year would have been fresh in each franchise’s mind.

In Pool B, Nidish bagged a deal of INR 5.85 lakh, which was more than 23 times his base price. Four teams bid for the attacking batsman before Belagavi Panthers secured his services.

Coming to Pool A, some big gainers include opener Md. Taha (INR 5 lakh to Hubli Tigers) and medium-pacers T. Pradeep (INR 6.5 lakh to Ballari Tuskers), H.S. Sharath (INR 4.3 lakh to Belagavi Panthers) and Prateek Jain (INR 4.3 lakh to Mysuru Warriors).

Some veterans like K.B. Pawan (INR 4.55 lakh to Bengaluru Blasters), Arjun Hoysala (INR 3.10 lakh to Mysuru Warriors), Suneel Raju (INR 3.50 lakh to Bijapur Bulls), K.P. Appanna (INR 3.85 lakh to Bijapur Bulls) and Abrar Kazi (INR 3.50 lakh to Ballari Tuskers) also attracted big money respectively.

On the other hand, the likes of Gowtham, Mayank Agarwal, R. Samarth, Prasidh Krishna and Shreyas Gopal were initially ignored because of their commitment with the national side as well as in the Duleep Trophy.

But eventually, three of those were sold while Gopal and Samarth failed to find any bidders.