When the IPL 2021 auctions began no one would have imagined that Chris Morris would end up being the highest-paid player in the IPL auction ever. Morris was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a stunning INR 16.25 crores.
How did Morris end up getting such a huge price?
Chris Morris had received a paycheque of INR 10 crores in IPL 2020 when he was picked up by RCB. He was released by RCB in the hope to buy him back for a lesser price. But even they wouldn’t have imagined that Morris will end up with such a huge salary.
Morris being an all-rounder has helped his case. He had a decent IPL with RCB the last season. He can hit the ball hard and long. These reasons make him an attractive player to buy and hence he generated so much interest and received such a price.
Who started the bidding game for Morris?
Mumbai Indians surprised everyone by starting the bid for Chris Morris at INR 75 lakhs. Royal Challengers Bangalore soon entered the race at INR 80 lakhs. Nobody knew what was in store ahead!
It was a two-race between MI and RCB for the longest time. But RCB finally gave up at INR 9.75 crores. It seemed as if MI will pick up Morris for INR 10 crores but then Rajasthan Royals entered the race at INR 10.25 crores. MI and RR were in an intense battle until MI gave up at INR 13 crores.
It seemed as if RR will finally get Morris for INR 13.25 crores but Punjab Kings offered INR 13.50 crores. This spiced up the bidding again. Neither Punjab and Rajasthan were willing to give up. Rajasthan won the battle of the biggies by grabbing Morris for INR 16.25 crores.
Does Morris deserve this amount?
An allrounder has always fetched a good price in the IPL auctions and this has helped Morris fetch such a price. If he has a fabulous season with both bat and ball and helps the Royals win the title, then the price will certainly be justified. On current form and fitness, it is debatable whether Morris deserves such a price.
This was the costliest signing in the history of IPL auctions and nobody including Chris Morris would have expected this. We believe it is imperative that Morris plays all the games for RR and justifies his heavy price by delivering for them.
