IPL 2018: KKR buys Mitchell Johnson for 2 crores, Guptill remains unsold

Murali Vijay was roped in by Chennai Super Kings in the second round.

Indian Premier League 2018 auction is getting pretty interesting with every set of players. While some players became an overnight star by fetching a huge sum, others including the renowned names in international cricket, Chris Gayle and Dale Steyn went unsold in the first round.

However, the 64 unsold players in the first round were given a second chance to try their luck later in the day. Here’s how they fared in the second round:

Chris Gayle | Getty

In a shock to many, the Universe Boss – Chris Gayle remained unsold in the second round of IPL auction as well. Gayle, who is considered as one of the finest T20 players in the world, entered into the auction with a base price of INR 2 crores. Perhaps Gayle’s inconsistency cost him a place in IPL 2018.

 Kiwi opener Martin Guptill also remained unsold in the second round. He had set a base price of INR 75 lakhs, but didn’t manage to attract any of the eight franchises.

India’s current Test opener and former CSK player Murali Vijay was roped in by Chennai Super Kings in the second round. Vijay had thrown his hat into the auction ring with a base price of INR 2 crores and CSK secured him in the same amount.

Chennai Super Kings also successfully bid for England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings. CSK secured billings for the same sum with which he has entered into the auction, i.e. INR 1 crore.

Naman Ojha got picked up by Delhi Daredevils for INR 1.40 crores while Parthiv Patel was brought by Royal challengers Bangalore for 1.70 crores. Both the wicket-keepers batters has entered into the auction with the base price of 75 lakhs.

Mitchell Johnson | IPLT20.com

None of the eight IPL franchises showed their interest in former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson in the first round. However, Johnson was picked by KKR in the second round for 2 crores. It was his base price as well.

Akin to Johnson, Kiwi speedster Tim Southee didn’t manage to attract any of the eight IPL franchises in the first round. But the 29-year-old was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second round for 1 crore.

New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi remained unsold in the second round as well.

While Mumbai Indians secured Siddhesh Lad in the second round by expending 20 lakhs, Prashant Chopra was roped in by Rajasthan Royals for the same amount.

While the likes of Nikhil Naik, Sai Kishore, Shaun Marsh, Corey Anderson go unsold in the second round, Aditya Tare got picked by defending champions Mumbai Indians for INR 20 lakhs.

Dale Steyn | Getty

Another huge name that didn’t able to attract the franchises in the second round is South Africa’s ace fast bowler Dale Steyn, who entered into the auction with a base price of I NR 1 crore.

Bipul Sharma returns to Sunrisers Hyderabad for his base price of Rs 20 Lakh whereas Sayan Ghosh and Mayank Markande sold to Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians respectively for the same price.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 28 Jan, 2018

    Share Via