The IPL auctions happened for the first time in 2008. Right since then it has always caught people’s attention. These auctions have produced many iconic moments. CSK signing MS Dhoni for INR 6 crores in the first auction was just a sign of things to come.
Teams later broke the bank many a time to acquire the players they desperately needed. Not all-superstar signings yielded great results. But players more often than not ended up with superstar deals.
We look at 5 select players who were auctioned in the first season [2008] and will go under the hammer in 2022 too:
#5 Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma was India’s most in-demand fast bowler when the IPL auctions took place the first time. Kolkata Knight Riders spent a whopping INR 3.7 crores on Sharma. He did live up to expectations in the first season but fell by the wayside later. Sharma could never really come to terms with the T20 format. He will once again go under the hammer this season. Teams will look at him as a player-cum-mentor if they end up buying him.
#4 Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina was known as Mr. IPL not so long ago. He held the record for scoring the most number of runs for the longest time. Raina was not just CSK’s but the league’s most consistent batsman. He has won plenty of games for CSK singlehandedly. But Raina has struggled for form and fitness of late.
He looked completely out of depth in the UAE leg in IPL 2021. But he will be keen to prove a point in the coming season. A team like Lucknow will look to milk his popularity.
#3 Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik has played for almost all IPL teams barring a few exceptions. Delhi Daredevils picked him up in the first season. He later represented Punjab, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Karthik later played for the Gujarat Lions. KKR picked him up in the 2018 mega auctions. He will again go under the hammer in 2022. Karthik will hit the reset button again next season.
#2 Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa arguably made the most definite impact in the IPL last season in just 2 games. He turned round the clock stunningly and helped CSK lift their 4th IPL title. Uthappa will surely fetch a good sum in the auctions next season likewise he did the first time he went under the hammer. He was a much-in-demand player during the inaugural season. Uthappa will be hoping for one last dance in the upcoming mega auctions.
#1 Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle is the self-proclaimed, ‘Universe Boss’. He set alight the IPL with his stroke play. Gayle received a second wind in 2011 when RCB acquired him as a substitute player. He has never looked back ever since. KKR who bought Gayle in 2008 auctions couldn’t really utilize his complete potential. The big burly left-hander will again be available in the auctions. Gayle storm might just get another chance. Probably one final time!
