IPL 6 auction: Know more about the big buys

Tags: Indian Premier League - 2013, Glenn James Maxwell, Kane William Richardson, Christopher Henry Morris, Senanayake Mudiyanselage Sachithra Madhushanka Senanayake, Abhishek Mohan Nayar

Published on: Feb 04, 2013

The IPL 6 auction threw up a few surprises, with most franchises opting for lesser-known names rather than star players. And so, while the Australian duo of Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke went for their base price, a few others were richer by an unexpected margin.

The IPL 6 auction threw up a few surprises, with most franchises opting for lesser-known names rather than star players. And so, while the Australian duo of Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke went for their base price, a few others were richer by an unexpected margin. We tell you more about some expensive buys at IPL 6, most of whom are relatively unknown quantities at the international level.

Glenn MaxwellGlenn Maxwell: The Aussie all-rounder was the costliest of all players auctioned, purchased by Mumbai Indians for $1,000,000. The 24-year-old is a relative newcomer on the international arena, having played only nine ODIs and as many T20s. He has two fifties to his credit in ODIs and a highest of 41 in T20s. With his off-break, he has so far scalped four wickets in ODIs and five in T20s. His electric fielding is a big asset to the side. Australia rate him very highly and have even named him in the Test squad that is to tour India soon. Mumbai also seem highly influenced by what they have heard of him, making him the only millionaire of this year’s auction.

Kane Richardson: An even lesser known Aussie, the 21-year-old was purchased by Pune Warriors India for $700,000. The right-arm fast bowler has played only one ODI for Australia, against Sri Lanka, in which he went wicketless. With his pace and control, he has made a serious impression playing first-class cricket for South Australia. In 20 domestic T20 games, he has picked up 22 wickets at an average of 23.45. His economy rate of 7.60 is a bit of a worry, but he is said to possess a well-directed yorker. These qualities were enough for Pune to invest a handsome sum in the youngster.

Chris Morris: An all-rounder from South Africa, who has played only one T20 match, against New Zealand last year, in which he picked up two wickets, was sold to Chennai Super Kings for $625,000. Morris, who plays for Lions in Proteas’ domestic league, has featured in 25 T20 games and has scored 149 runs at an average of 25. More importantly, his strike rate is 175. With the ball, he has picked up 35 wickets with his fast-medium pacers at an average of under 17 and economy of 6.85. His strike rate is under 15.

Sachithra Senanayake: The Sri Lankan off-spinner was chosen by defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders for $625,000. Senanayake has played seven ODI and two T20s for his country, and is yet to make a serious impression. In domestic T20, he has featured in 33 games and has managed 46 wickets at an impressive average of under 16, and a strike rate of 15.3. His economy of 6.03 is also very acceptable.

Abhishek Nayar: Among the Indians, the Mumbai all-rounder was the star choice. He was purchased by Pune Warriors India for $675,000. The 29-year-old has played three ODIs for India, but hasn’t got a chance to do much. In domestic T20, he has been part of 52 games. Nayar averages 22 with the bat, and has a strike rate of 126, but has managed only nine wickets in these games, at an average of over 40 and economy rate touching nine.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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