IPL 2021: Tom Moody explains the reason behind picking Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the auction

Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2021 auction. The right-arm spinner has been a top pick in many franchise T20 leagues around the world but after an impressive debut with Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), his IPL career slightly faded away as he spent more and more time on the benches. 

There is no doubt over his quality as a spinner in the format as he is quite experienced by now. However, it was slightly surprising that the Sunrisers went for him, considering that they already have Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan in their mix. Mujeeb was bought by Hyderabad at his base price of 1.5 crores. 

In a recent interaction, Sunrisers Hyderabad Director of Cricket, Tom Moody explained the reason for them picking Mujeeb as an overseas option. Moody explained that his experience adds greater depth to their squad for the IPL 2021. He also noted that his inclusion will also keep each and everyone on their toes to play well enough to maintain their spot in the XI. 

Mujeeb is going to keep everyone on their toes: Tom Moody

“From the overseas perspective, having Mujeeb there(in the side). He is obviously a very very effective T20 bowler and he has shown that throughout his franchise career and obviously playing for Afghanistan. I think he gives us greater depth and certainly, he is going to keep everyone on their toes to you know try and keep their spot in the eleven,” explained Moody in a video released by Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Our Director Of Cricket @TomMoodyCricket feels great to be back and is looking forward to #IPL2021 💯#OrangeOrNothing #OrangeArmy #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/dgJ4IEfxyd

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 6, 2021

At the IPL 2021 auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad was one side that didn’t make too many buys. They only added Mujeeb ur Rahman and Kedar Jadhav along with J Suchith. Moody also expressed his pleasure with the strategy with which the Hyderabad franchise operated in the IPL 2021 auction. 

“We obviously didn’t have to do a lot during the auction. But what we did do I thought was pretty smart. Buying we brought a lot of experience,” said Moody.

Sunrisers Hyderabad ended as the third-ranked side in the IPL 2020. The 2016 champions would be expecting to go miles in this upcoming season. They will open their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 11. 

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