The last mega IPL auction happened in 2018. Teams were not only allowed to retain up to 3 players upfront but were also given the option of RTM (Right to match). 2 players from the auction pool could be retained through the RTM. Here are 5 big picks from last mega auction who won’t feature in 2022
There were plenty of superstars who were picked in that mega auction. These players then went on to achieve success in varied proportions for the teams they played. Many of them have called it quits and has taken up other cricketing duties.
5 Big picks from last mega auction who won’t feature in 2022
#5 Mitchell Johnson (KKR)
Mitchell Johnson was arguably the most fearsome pace bowler last decade. He rattled batsmen with his sheer pace. Johnson intimidated the best of batting sides with his unrelenting ferocity. For all his international exploits, Johnson never had an outstanding IPL.
The closest he was to his best was during the IPL 2013 season when he plied trades for MI. In 2018, 5 years down the line, KKR still showed faith in an aging Johnson. They picked him for INR 2 crores. But he couldn’t deliver what was expected of him.
#4 Yuvraj Singh (PK)
Yuvraj Singh in the 2018 mega auctions made his way back to his first IPL franchise. Punjab showed a lot of faith when they picked Singh in the auctions. But unfortunately, Yuvraj was well past his prime back then. He couldn’t turn back the clock as was expected of him. Punjab released him the very next season. MI picked him in 2019 but Singh had a forgettable season that year too.
#3 Brendon McCullum (RCB)
RCB picked a power-packed team in 2018. They roped in the likes of Quinton de Kock, Shimron Hetmyer in their ranks. RCB didn’t just stop there, they beefed their superstar squad with the acquisition of Brendon McCullum. Fans expected the trio of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and McCullum to fire on all cylinders. But that wasn’t meant to be. Mccullum didn’t play the IPL from then on.
#2 Gautam Gambhir (DC)
2018 mega auctions marked the homecoming of Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir who had aggressively led KKR to 2 title wins in 2012 and 2014 was released from the squad ahead of the mega auctions. He was immediately appointed the captain tasked with the job of building a team. But Gambhir had meagre returns with the bat. He relinquished captaincy and quit midway.
#1 Shane Watson (CSK)
Perhaps the best signing in that auction came from CSK’s stable. Experts and fans had written off Shane Watson after just one bad season. But CSK’s management had a lot of faith in Watson’s abilities. Watson repaid the faith stunningly. He smashed 555 runs opening the innings with a player-of-the-match effort in the finals. Watson played a crucial role in CSK’s final run in 2019 too. He retired from the league next season in 2020.
Also read: 5 Top Indian Players Who Never Really Succeeded In The IPL
