Some uncapped cricketers secured handsome deals with various IPL franchises in the mini-auction.
Gujarat Titans signed pacer Shivam Mavi for INR 6 Crore, making him the most expensive uncapped Indian player during Friday’s (December 23) auction. The defending champions also roped in wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat for INR 1.2 Crore and Gujarat cricketer Urvil Patel for Rs 20 lakh.
Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar's brilliance in domestic cricket was also rewarded as Delhi Capitals bought him for INR 5.5 Crore.
Former India and CSK batter Suresh Raina was delighted in seeing many uncapped players securing IPL deals. He suggested the youngsters to use this money as an investment in themselves for cricketing development.
"It is so good to see players coming from a small town and making it big in the Indian Premier League. That's what the Indian Premier League is meant to do for Indians," said Raina on JioCinema.
"This is a springboard for them to grow personally and professionally. These players can go on and play for India, buy houses for their families and spend the money on looking after their bodies, so much so that the teams don't think of starting without them and are retained not just for the coming season but for a long period," he added.
Raina's former India team-mate Robin Uthappa also echoed his opinion. "They need to invest this money in themselves and keep getting better," he added.
Jammu & Kashmir all-rounder Vivrant Sharma was fetched by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 2.6 Crore. The 2016 IPL champions also paid INR 1.8 Crore to acquire the services of left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar.
(With IANS inputs)