Akash Ambani calls Yuvraj Singh's signing biggest steal in Mumbai Indians' history

Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction has pretty much shown that fortunes can change in the blink of an eye. The unexpected auction has time and again sprung eye-popping surprises. From a relatively unknown player earning a deal worth millions to an international star going unsold, the auction has seen it all.

Well, India star Yuvraj Singh was feeling the prospect of going unsold in the auction for the first time. The southpaw was released by the Kings XI Punjab earlier this year and had set a base price of INR 1 crore. This was the same player who was bought for a staggering amount of INR 14.5 crore by Royal Challengers Bangalore not very long ago and a record Rs 16 crore by the Delhi franchise in 2016.

But with the World Cup-winning star not making a huge impact with the bat in recent times and his performances in the previous season couldn’t inspire faith either, no franchise was willing to take the gamble.

Consequently, Yuvraj went unsold in the first round. But luckily, three-time champions Mumbai Indians bid for him when his name was called again and secured his services at his base price in a last-buy minute.

Ambani delighted

Given Yuvraj’s recent struggles with the bat, many might say that Mumbai Indians took a very bold step. However, their owner Akash Ambani is not fazed by it and went on to call the signing their biggest steal in the tournament’s 11-year history.

“To be honest, we had budgeted a lot more for Yuvraj and Malinga. At Rs one crore, a player like Yuvraj is probably a (biggest) steal of 12 (sic) years. He has won every trophy there is to be won,”  Ambani told the host broadcaster after the auction.

The Mumbai-based franchise also bought back their ex-pacer Lasith Malinga who has bowled impressively in recent times. Malinga had served as Mumbai’s bowling mentor in the last edition after going unsold.

When asked about the reason behind the franchise’ decision to buy two veterans, Akash said: “We focussed on experience a lot as well on the youngsters. We have identified specific roles for both of them (Yuvraj and Malinga).”

~ Written by Bijoy

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