Underdogs make it big at IPL auction
What's the story
The players' auction of the 2017 Indian Premier League saw the franchisees putting out a surprisingly big amount of money for uncapped Indian players. All-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham and medium-pacer Aniket Choudhary were taken by Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively, for Rs. 2 crore each. However, there are two players who have hit the jackpot. Let us have a look at their stories.
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Thangarasu Natarajan and Mohammed Siraj
Tamil Nadu player Thangarasu Natarajan was bought by Kings XI Punjab for Rs. 3 crore, while Hyderabad's Mohammed Siraj went to home team Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. 2.6 crore.
Salem to Mohali
Thangarasu Natarajan: Second costliest Indian buy at 2017 IPL auction
Son of a porter, Thangarasu Natarajan was bought by Kings XI Punjab for a whopping Rs. 3 crore, making him the second costliest Indian buy at the 2017 IPL auction. Hailing from Salem, he shifted to Chennai to play for Jolly Rovers, a club which had seen players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Murali Vijay. He was part of TNPL team Dindigul Dragons last year.
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"Mustafizur Rahman" of Tamil Nadu
Natarajan is known as 'Mustafizur Rahman' of Tamil Nadu for his ability to land yorkers at will. He was selected for TN's Ranji team in 2015-2016 after his consistent performances for Chennai clubs. He considers Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson as his role model and is sad by the fact that Johnson won't be a part of KXI Punjab's dressing room.
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It still seems unreal for Natarajan
After he was bought by the Punjab team, the 25-year old Natarajan said, "It seems unreal. I never thought I would play in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, let alone the IPL. Very thankful that it has happened."
21 Feb 2017
Mohammed Siraj: Local boy makes it to Hyderabad team
Mohammed Siraj was bought by his local team, Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. 2.6 crore. The 22-year old fast bowler hit gold in cricket three years ago, after he made his name in local leagues and was eventually picked up for Hyderabad U-23 team. He made his Ranji debut in 2015. In the last Ranji season, he took 41 wickets for Hyderabad.
Siraj's future plans
Want to buy a decent house: Siraj
About his plans to use the money, he says, "I want to buy a decent house first." The Rest of India's Hyderabad pacer also wants his father to stop driving auto rickshaw for a living. He says, "I urged him to stop, but he did not pay heed to my request. I'm confident of convincing him now. He needs a good rest."
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The price tag is beyond my imagination: Siraj
On his selection in IPL, Siraj said, "It's a dream come true for me. I am thrilled about it. I was hoping to play for some team this year as I have performed quite well but this price tag is beyond my expectation"