IPL 2022 Auction: Gautam Gambhir Names Lucknow Super Giants' Most Important Purchase On Day 1

Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gautam Gambhir said Mark Wood was the most important signing of the new IPL team on the first day of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

Lucknow Super Giants made a total of eight signings on Day 1 of the IPL 2022 auction with Madhya Pradesh pace bowler Avesh Khan being their biggest deal in terms of purchase.

IPL 2022 Auction: Avesh Khan, Jason Holder biggest deals for Lucknow Super Giants

Avesh, who picked 24 wickets from 16 matches in IPL 2021 for Delhi Capitals, was sold to the new team for a whopping price of INR 10 crores.

The Lucknow franchise also roped in South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock (6.75 cr) and West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder (8.75 crores). Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Manish Pandey and Ankit Rajpoot were Indian signings for the Lucknow outfit.

The Sanjiv Goenka owned Lucknow team bagged the deal for England pacer Mark Wood after being engaged in a bidding war with Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, only to close the purchase at INR 7.50 crores.

Mark Wood was my most important buy in this auction: Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir, who played 154 IPL matches for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and Kolkata Knight Riders, named Wood as his best pick because he offers genuine speed around 140-145kmph.

“With these two add Avesh Khan to the list as well. The reason being that for an Indian fast bowler to deliver at a speed of 140-145kmph. De Kock is a world-class batsman, he can open the batting.

“Holder is multi-dimensional, can bowl and bat. But an express fast bowler with Mark Wood, that was my most important buy in this auction. Because there are very few Indian fast bowlers who can bowl at that speed,” Gambhir told Sports Tak.

Lucknow Super Giants had named star Indian batter KL Rahul, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and young spinner Ravi Bishnoi in their initial draft signings. Rahul will lead the Lucknow team in its maiden IPL tournament.

Also Read: IPL 2022 Mega Auction: Extremely Happy To Be Part Of Lucknow Super Giants, Says Jason Holder