While all the IPL franchises went all-guns-blazing on Wednesday, Thursday saw a much reserved bidding process as the franchises plotted to strengthen some key areas in their sides with some value-for-money buys.
SPORTZWIKI casts an eye on the Top 5 MOST EXPENSIVE signings on the 2nd day of the Indian Premier League auction :
1. Karan Sharma (INR 3.75 crores)
Imagina an uncapped younster earning a fatter pay-cheque than the great Virender Sehwag! Well, as it often turns out in the glamorous world of the IPL, there was a surprise bidding war between the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab for the services of the young spinner. KXIP were desperate for a spinner but missed out on their man as Sunrisers Hyderabad spent big after having seen how good this legspinner was last season, especially his deceptive googly.
2. Beuran Hendricks (INR3 crores)
Young South African speedster Bueran Hendricks will be representing Preity Zinta’s Kings XI. This South African quick took 28 wickets in the domestic T20 competition, 12 more than anyone else. With the red-hot Mitchell Johnson also among their ranks, Kings XI Punjab look like a really strong unit.
3. Rishi Dhawan (INR3 crores)
The Himachal allrounder had a blockbuster Ranji season and had already proved his potential with his performances with Mumbai Indians last season, prompting a lucrative bid from Kings XI Punjab. Dhawan is a pretty accomplished batsman and would also provide stability to the Kings XI lower-middle order.
4. Ross Taylor (INR2 crores)
Ross Taylor has enjoyed a great run with the bat in the home series against West Indies and India. The New Zealand big-hitting batsman, who fancies the mid-wicket region for his big strokes, has considerable IPL experience with RCB and Delhi Daredivils. Surprisingly unsold on the first day, this New Zealand batsman was snapped up by Delhi Daredevils.
5. Kedar Jadhav (INR2 crores)
Who says Ranji performances account to nothing? Jadhav’s six centuries in the Ranji season led Maharashtra to the finals, prompting Delhi Daredevils to buy him back using their final right-to-match card. Handsome money, and well deserved! And with the likes of Kevin Petersen and Ross Taylor to guide him in the dressing room, the sky’s the limit for this young star.
