Aaron Finch
Photo Credit: (IPL)

Australian limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch admitted his disappointment on not getting picked in the IPL 2022 auction but turned jubilant when Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum called him to join the franchise. 

Finch has played for numerous IPL teams like Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils), Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), Royal Challengers Bangalore.

I was very excited and jumped at the opportunity: Aaron Finch on playing for KKR in IPL 2022

Ahead of IPL 2022, Finch played his last IPL season for RCB in 2020 and went unsold in the IPL 2021 auction. The Australia white-ball captain once again didn’t find any buyer in the IPL 2022 mega auction where many of his teammates like David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sealed great deals in the two-day event early in February. 

Was Very Excited And Jumped At The Opportunity: Aaron Finch Reveals His Reaction On Brendon McCullum's Call To Join KKR

During the time of the IPL auction, Finch was leading Australia in the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Only when England batter Alex Hales pulled out of the tournament citing bio-bubble fatigue, did the doors open for Finch’s return to the cash-rich league. 

“Yeah, of course (disappointed on not being picked in the auction). But then to get the call from Baz [Brendon McCullum] to come and join KKR, I was very excited and jumped at the opportunity,” Finch told KKR’s official website on his reaction to playing for the two-time IPL champions. 

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KKR Coach Brendon McCullum (Image Credits: IPL)
KKR Coach Brendon McCullum (Image Credits: IPL)

There are times when you get a little bit nervous: Aaron Finch on IPL auctions

Finch was picked by Punjab Kings in IPL 2018 mega auction for INR 6.20 crore followed by RCB in 2020 for INR 4.40 crore. The former Pune Warriors skipper admitted he has been nervous during the auction process. 

“I think we played a game. This year we played a game against Sri Lanka on that day. So you don’t think about it too much at all. But in the years gone past, there are times when you get a little bit nervous because you’re hopeful of getting picked,” the Australian skipper said.

“It’s just a great competition to be a part of and I think when you’re not here you really miss it. To have the chance to train and play with the best players in the world consistently I think makes everyone better.

“So that’s what you miss the most and that’s what you get most nervous about, maybe missing the opportunity sometimes,” he added. 

Finch missed the first five matches for KKR in IPL 2022 because he captained Australia in the limited-overs leg in Pakistan earlier this month. He made his first appearance for the franchise against Sunrisers Hyderabad where he scored just seven runs. 

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Finch found momentum in KKR’s last game against Rajasthan Royals as he hit his 15th IPL half-century in just 25 balls, albeit in a losing cause.

Also Read: IPL 2022: Aaron Finch Expresses His Disappointment Over Not Being Picked In The Mega Auction