New Delhi: The Indian Premier League Season 10 auction didn't go as expected for Ishant Sharma after he was left unsold, but just one day before the start of new season, the Indian speedster has been picked by Kings XI Punjab.
Ishant, who had set a base price of Rs. 2 crore, looked to be missing out of on-field action at least until the start of ICC Champions Trophy but received a massive boost to his Twenty20 career after being picked by the Glenn Maxwell-led franchise.
India speedster @ImIshant picked up by @lionsdenkxip after going unsold at the @IPL players' auction. #IPL10 #IPL2017.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2017
Currently, India's senior-most pacer in the Test squad (77 matches), Ishant went unsold at the IPL Players' auction in February where his base price was a whopping Rs 2 crore.
His name came up twice but none of the eight franchises picked him, mainly due to his high base price.
However, it is understood that Kings XI Punjab, whose pace attack needs a bit of experience, got Ishant on board.
Over the years, Ishant has played for a number of franchises starting from Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rising Pune Supergiants.
The 28-year-old has 88 wickets from the 107 Twenty20 matches he has played and has an economy rate of 7.75 with best bowling figures of 5 for 12.
King XI Punjab, who will be missing Indian opener Murali Vijay for season 10, have opted to go for an extra bowler and chosen against picking up a batsman. By signing an Indian for an Indian does sort out the balance of home and foreign players in the team but how much of their investment on Ishant will reap the desired benefits, only time will tell.
(With PTI inputs)
