Chennai: Chris Morris on Thursday became the costliest ever buy in IPL Auction history as he was bought for Rs 16.25 crore by Rajasthan Royals, while Krishnappa Gowtham became highest paid uncapped cricketer after Chennai Super Kings bought him for Rs 9.25 crore in the IPL 2021 auction, here.
Morris broke Yuvraj Singh’s record, who was picked up by Delhi Daredevils (Now Delhi Capitals) for Rs 16 crore in IPL 2015, while Gowtham smashed Krunal Pandya’s record, who was bought in for Rs 8.8 crore by Mumbai Indians in 2018.
New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson, who is known more for his performances in Test cricket, secured a massive Rs 15 crore deal from the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell once again, managed to attract a whopping bid. He was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping Rs 14.25 crore for the IPL 2021 season.
Punjab Kings, who went into auction with the maximum purse among the eight teams, paid Rs 14 crore to rope in Australian pacer Jhye Richardson. Punjab also bought the uncapped Riley Meredith, for a big amount - Rs eight crore.
England allrounder Moeen Ali was purchased by CSK for Rs seven crore. CSK engaged in a battle of money with Punjab Kings to acquire Moeen Ali and ultimately won.
Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan was bought up by KKR for Rs 3.2 crore, while Australian pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile also ended up with a good deal, fetching a Rs five crore bid from Mumbai Indians.
Australian Steve Smith, who was released by Rajasthan Royals, was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2.20 crore, only Rs 20 lakh more than his base price.
England batsman Dawid Malan was a bargain buy for Punjab Kings at his base price of Rs 1.5 crore, while New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne went to Mumbai Indians for Rs 3.2 crore.
Tamil Nadu’s Shahrukh Khan, got a hefty Rs 5.25 crore deal from Punjab Kings, more than 51 times his base price of Rs 20 lakh. Shahrukh had done well in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Among the players who went unsold, were Hanuma Vihari, Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Adil Rashid and Aaron Finch.
Cheteshwar Pujara was sold to Chennai Super Kings. The last name in the auction - Arjun Tendulkar went to Mumbai Indians. (UNI)
