2018 IPL: First set of 8 marquee players auctioned
What's the story
The 2018 IPL auctions are underway in Bengaluru. The mega event began at 10 am and some of cricket's biggest names will go under the hammer over the next two days. The first set of 8 marquee players have already been sold with Ben Stokes fetching the maximum bid. Surprisingly, Chris Gayle remained unsold. Here's more!
Rs. 5.2 cr
Shikhar Dhawan retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad
Indian opener, Shikhar Dhawan was the first player to go under the hammer at the 2018 IPL auctions. For a man who has enjoyed the form of his life in the last 15 months, Sunrisers Hyderabad opted to use the 'Right to Match' card to retain the southpaw for Rs. 5.2 cr. Dhawan has played 127 IPL matches and has scored 3,561 runs.
Rs. 7.6 cr
Ravichandran Ashwin sold to Kings XI Punjab
India's premier off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, who was not retained by the Chennai Super Kings, was sold for a whopping Rs. 7.6 cr to Kings XI Punjab. India's spin wizard has played 111 IPL matches and has claimed 100 wickets at an average of 25. Ashwin, however, has not played a lot of limited overs cricket for India in the last 12 months
Rs. 12.5 cr
Ben Stokes sold to Rajasthan Royals
England's premier all-rounder Ben Stokes, as expected, was one of the hottest picks of the 2018 IPL auction The 26-year-old was sold for a massive Rs. 12.5 cr to returning Rajasthan Royals Ben Stokes, who has played 12 IPL games so far, has 316 runs to his name at a strike rate of 142.98. The all-rounder also has 12 wickets to his name.
Rs 5.4 Cr
Mumbai Indians use RTM card for Kieron Pollard
West Indies big-hitting all-rounder, Kieron Pollard will continue to remain a part of defending champions Mumbai Indians after the franchise opted to use the 'Right to Match' card for a massive Rs. 5.4 cr. The towering all-rounder has played 123 matches in the IPL scoring 2,343 runs at a strike rate of 146.52. Pollard also has 56 wickets to his name.
Data
Universe Boss Chris Gayle unsold at IPL auctions
The world's most destructive T20 batsman, Chris Gayle, who had a base price of Rs. 2 cr, remains unsold at the 2018 IPL auctions. Gayle holds the record for fastest T20 hundred and has scored 3,626 at strike rate of 151.20 in 101 IPL games.
Rs. 4 cr
Ajinkya Rahane to be part of Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals opted to use their 'Right to Match' card to keep hold of Indian Test vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane for Rs. 4 cr. The right-handed batsman might be going through a lean patch in his career right now but he has proved his mettle in the IPL scoring 3,057 runs in 111 matches.
Data
Chennai Super Kings use RTM for Faf Du Plessis
South Africa's captain, Faf Du Plessis will play for the Chennai Super Kings after the franchise opted to use the 'Right to Match' card for a bid of Rs. 1.6 cr to keep hold of the right handed batsman.
Rs. 9.4 cr
Pacer Mitchell Starc sold to Kolkata Knight Riders
Australia's pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc sparked a bidding war for his services. The speedster was finally sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs. 9.4 cr. Starc, who is known to clock speeds upto 160 kph, has picked up 34 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 20.38.