5 Times when uncapped players stole the limelight in IPL Auction

Isn’t the Indian Premier League (IPL) about unearthing the undiscovered talent and providing them with a platform? While that was the primary motive behind the establishment of the tournament, various other dynamics have factored in as the league established itself. These vivacious characteristics of the IPL make it what it is today. Yet, on a consistent basis, the IPL has contributed to showcasing some of the best-uncapped cricketers.

Perhaps, it is one of the few cricket leagues that has discovered various talented cricketers on a global level. Even though the number of cricketers who have gone onto play for the Indian team outnumbers the overseas cricketers who have played for their national teams later, the league still has made a huge contribution as far as uncapped players are concerned.

Many even dream of just getting one chance to play in the IPL. With so much talent scouting amongst all the franchises, there have been several young cricketers who managed to impress and at times, hogged all the limelight at the auction.

Here are five instances when uncapped players stole the limelight at the IPL auction:

1. Krunal Pandya

Hardik Pandya made quite an impression when he played for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2015. The following year, there were many eyes laid on his brother Krunal Pandya as well. The talent scout teams of the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Delhi Daredevils (now, Delhi Capitals) had followed the southpaw for close to two years before the 2016 auction.

Knowing what he is capable of, they both went after him bidding aggressively. In the end, MI got him at INR 2 crores – 10 times of what Hardik (INR 10 lakhs) was paid initially. And again, when he was put back into the auction pool in 2018, Krunal fetched a huge amount.

This time, he became the costliest uncapped buy at an IPL auction. After a bidding war between the Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the MI franchise decided to use their ‘Right to Match Card’ at INR 8.8 Crore. Later, Krunal went on to play for India. He continues to be an important member of the T20I squad.