Sheldon Cottrell, the West Indies pacer, was snapped up by Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Thursday. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, he went for Rs 8.5 crore.
Nevertheless, Gautam Gambhir, the former India opener, felt that the director of Cricket Operations of the Punjab franchise Anil Kumble picked the Caribbean cricketer in haste, acting as if there were no more options left with them.
In England, during the 2019 World Cup, Cottrell had a great outing as he appeared as the highest wicket-taker of West Indies when he picked up 12 wickets from nine games with an economy rate of 5.85.
Gautam Gambhir Opines On Kumble Decision
Talking about the investment on Cottrell done by KXIP, Gautam Gambhir speaking on Cricket Live show on Star Sports, said: “There were no better options, Pat Cummins and Chris Morris both were sold out – they tried hard to get (Chris) Morris but it didn’t work. I still don’t think
Sheldon Cottrell has enough quality to become an 8.5 cr bowler. He’s still to build on accuracy and speed yet that he can bowl at 145 speed; he can look at putting cutters but that might not help at Mohali.”
“I think Anil Kumble picked him up in desperation since they couldn’t get Chris Morris or Pat Cummins. If the demand is high and supply is low, these things happen,” he added.
Correll attracted a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and KXIP with a base price of Rs 50 lakh before Delhi Capitals joined the race as well. It was KXIP Punjab, however, who succeeded in acquiring the services of the left-arm pacer.
Cottrell is now the second most expensive bowler in the auction this year after Pat Cummins (15.5 crores).
