Former Chennai Super Kings player Subramaniam Badrinath has revealed that he is devastated to find himself unsold at the recently concluded IPL auctions. The 33-year old from Tamil Nadu, who has represented CSK in the previous six editions of the IPL, didn’t find any takers as franchises snubbed a quality Indian middle-oder batsman.
Badrinath was quoted in the Hindu reflecting on the events of the last few days, “I am 100 per cent disappointed. It’s a blow to my chest. I really don’t know how to react. I have to look forward and stay positive. It’s important to move on.”
Badrinath, further, stated that even though he remained unsold on the first day, there was a glimmer of hope that he would be picked up by any of the franchises in the accelarated auction that took place on Thursday.
“I was optimistic about being picked up at least the second time because initially teams generally have different options and go for them,” he said. Badrinath is a two-time IPL winner with the Chennai franchise and it was surprise that his home franchise did not bid for one of their former prized assets.
When asked if he felt let down that his former employers CSK did not show interest in him, he opined, “I have played 90-odd (95) games for CSK and I have a good record in the IPL. I am not blaming the CSK because they might have had something else in mind. I was disappointed because I didn’t receive a single bid from any franchise.”
Many people felt that his base price might have created a lack of interest among the teams. But the ace Tamil Nadu batsman ridiculed the fact saying, “I don’t think it’s a factor. I had based it on my experience, my contribution and records.”
Some sources claim that franchises were unwilling to offer a 3-year contract to a 33-year old doubting the long-term value of their purchase.
Although he is saddened at being neglected at the IPL auctions, Badrinath is upbeat and expects to fight back stronger. “It’s been a big influence on my life and career. It’s hard to digest, but it’s not the end of everything. It’s probably the case only this year.”