After being out of the national team for over two years, Bhuvneshwar Kumar attracts major bids at the IPL mega-auction, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru paying Rs 10.75 crore for the experienced fast bowler. Other lesser-known Indian pacers, such as Deepak Chahar and Mukesh Kumar, also secure good deals as teams struggle to fill their quota of local fast bowlers. However, big names like Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips go unsold.
IPL Mega-Auction 2022: Rahane Goes Unsold, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Attracts Big Bids
The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auction for the 2022 season witnessed a surprising turn of events as veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane went unsold, while experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar attracted major interest from franchises.
Rahane's Unsold Status
Ajinkya Rahane, the former Indian Test vice-captain, has been a regular feature in the IPL since 2008. However, his recent form has been poor, and he was not retained by his previous team, Delhi Capitals. At the auction, Rahane failed to attract any bids, highlighting the diminishing value of his skill set in the T20 format.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Big Move
In contrast to Rahane's fate, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, another veteran player, commanded a significant bid at the auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) paid a whopping Rs 10.75 crore to acquire the experienced fast bowler. Kumar's proven track record and versatility as a swing bowler made him a hot commodity in the market.
Other Indian Pacer Deals
Apart from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, other lesser-known Indian pacers also secured good deals at the auction. Deepak Chahar, who has been a consistent performer for Chennai Super Kings in recent seasons, was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 14 crore. Mukesh Kumar, a young left-arm pacer from Bengal, was picked up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 5.5 crore.
Unsold International Stars
Despite the heavy spending on Indian players, some prominent international stars went unsold at the auction. Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, and Glenn Phillips, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter, failed to attract any bids. This shows that teams are prioritizing local talents in the wake of stricter foreign player quotas.
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