Rajasthan Royals have broken their bank for a 33-year-old South African international Cricketer Chris Morris on IPL. The Rajasthan-based franchise purchased the all-rounder for a sum of 16.25 crore, making him the highest sold player in IPL 2021 auction so far. Chris Morris was released by the Royal Challengers Banglore after an average season in IPL 2020.
IPL 2021 Auction: Chris Morris a good addition to the RR squad?
Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals were in an interesting battle for Chris Morris. However, the Kings left the bidding war in between as the Royals claimed the blistering all-rounder. With Morris on the side, the Royals have four top-quality overseas players in their squad. Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Joss Butler being the other three.
Base price – INR 75 Lac
Sold for – INR 16.25 Cr@rajasthanroyals win the bidding war to bring @Tipo_Morris on board. 🔥🔥@Vivo_India #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/m5AMqKE1Dy— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 18, 2021
Skipper Sanju Samson has plenty of fireworks on his side for the upcoming IPL season. Rajasthan Royals finished in the last spot on IPL 2020 points table. The Rajasthan based-franchise will be keen to make a strong comeback in this year’s IPL. Chris Morris is a strong addition in the side and he is expected to propel with his bat as well as his ball for the Royals considering the huge bucks the side has spent for him.
IPL 2021 Auction: Other Top Buys So Far
Steve Smith goes to Delhi Capitals:
Steve Smith, who has been released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2021, had set his base price to INR 2 crores. He was the first cricketer to attract attention in IPL 2021 auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore bid for Smith at his base price and looked all set to acquire Smith.
Punjab Kings looked interested but didn’t commit and were out of the race even before the bidding began. Just when everyone felt that Smith was headed to RCB, Delhi Capitals emerged from nowhere to sign Steve Smith for INR 2.20 crores. RCB withdrew from the race and DC emerged winners in the first battle. Smith can be part of the leadership group in Delhi.
The war for Glenn Maxwell:
Glenn Maxwell was undoubtedly going to be the toast of IPL 2021 auctions. Even though he didn’t have a great IPL 2020 franchisees were still interested in him. Maxwell had set his base price to INR 2 crores while his fees last year with Kings XI Punjab was INR 10.75 crores. Kolkata Knight Riders were the first to bid for Maxwell at INR 2 crores and Rajasthan Royals entered the race at INR 2.20 crores.
It became a three horsed race with RCB entering the bidding war at 3.20 crores. While it seemed as if KKR and RCB were the only ones interested in Maxwell then, Chennai Super Kings entered the race at INR 4.60 crores. From there on it was an outright battle between CSK and RCB with each of them outbidding the other. RCB made the final push at INR 14.25 crores and CSK relented by pulling out of the race. This means Glenn Maxwell will represent the Bangalore franchise in IPL 2021. He will be forming a dazzling trio with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
