After being released by Punjab Kings (PBKS), India batter Mayank Agarwal entered into the IPL 2023 auction ring with the hope of finding a new franchise, setting a base price of INR 1 Crore for himself.

As it turned out, the right-handed opener was roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a hefty sum of INR 8.25 Crore, ending up as the most expensive Indian player in the mini-auction in Kochi on Friday (December 23).

Under Mayank’s captaincy, Punjab Kings endured a dismal IPL 2022 campaign. They finished the league stage in the sixth position, having won just 7 out of their 14 matches. He also had a terrible time with the bat in the last IPL edition, amassing only 196 runs from 12 innings at an abysmal average of 16.33.

Following that, Mayank Agarwal was released by PBKS with Shikhar Dhawan named as their new captain. The Punjab-based franchise also didn’t renew legendary Anil Kumble’s contract as head coach and the former India leg-spinner is very happy that Agarwal has been signed by SRH.

“Mayank has been the captain for Punjab and he was let go. I am really happy that he went to a team like Sunrisers. I think a new environment will certainly help Mayank and he is wonderful to have around the team," said Kumble on JioCinema.

In 113 IPL matches, Mayank Agarwal has scored 2331 runs at an impressive strike rate of 134.51 with one hundred and 12 half-centuries.

“I was partially nervous and excited, but I am glad to be part of SRH and really looking forward to working with (Muttiah) Muralitharan and (Brian) Lara, players with a lot of international experience and success," Agarwal said.

Kumble quipped, “I don’t know how much Murali will be able to help Mayank with his batting, but Brian Lara is there."

Apart from Agarwal, SRH secured the services of Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, Heinrich Klaasen, Akeal Hosein, Mayank Markande, Vivrant Sharma, Samarth Vyas, Sanvir Singh, Upendra Yadav, Mayank Dagar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Anmolpreet Singh during the IPL 2023 min-auction.