All-rounders are expected to make big bucks in the IPL 2023 mini-auction, slated to be held in Kochi on Friday (December 23).
The likes of Ben Stokes, Cameron Green, Sam Curran, Jason Holder and Sikandar Raza are some of the world’s leading all-rounders featuring in the auction.
However, West Indies T20 legend Chris Gayle has picked Curran to be the most expensive buy in the history of IPL auction, citing that the England all-rounder is young and the franchises tend to look to the future besides the availability of the player during the season.
Gayle is also expecting Stokes, Green and Mayank Agarwal to secure million dollar deals.
As of now, former South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris is the most expensive player in the IPL, having secured INR 16.25 crore in the auction in 2021.
"I don't know why they are calling those names just give me the money man (laughs)," Gayle said in an interaction with PTI arranged by Jio Cinema ahead of IPL auctions.
"I am going to pick Sam (out of all). He is young and IPL tends to look to the future and you have to look at availability. He has had a good run of late. Stokes played well in the World Cup final.
"It is a possibility there will be some record breaking deal tomorrow. Don't be surprised if someone goes over the 16 or 17 crore barrier."
Sam Curran was the Player of the Tournament in England’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2022 campaign. He was vital as a death bowler and returned with 13 wickets from 6 games at an economy rate of 6.52 in the showpiece event.
Commenting on Ben Stokes, Gayle said: "Regardless of his leadership abilities, he brings a lot to the table."
Widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 players of all time, the 43-year-old also opened up on his plans in 2023.
"I am still active, fresh, good looking, I have the best body in the world. My playing future will always look bright till I am 50 (laughs). I am on a break but would look to play in a few tournaments next year," Gayle stated.
In the end, Chris Gayle cited the example of former West Indies teammates Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo to highlight the significance of IPL.
"They are two legends of the IPL, they will be missed a lot. They helped the IPL become what it is today. You got to give them credit, those two guys won so many championships.
"It is going to leave a gap in the IPL without a doubt. Those guys are proper entertainers.
"Andre Russell can be that man to carry on the West Indies legacy in the IPL. Hopefully we can see the real Nicholas Pooran. he hasn't delivered in the IPL as per expectations from teams and fans. He has been very explosive in other tournaments but we want to see that on the big stage," he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
