New Delhi: Call it generosity from the franchise owners, or talent doing the talking, the Indian Premier League (IPL) players' auction on Sunday witnessed uncapped players hitting jackpots even as top players like Martin Guptill went unsold.
Pawan Negi, who was included in the Indian squad for the upcoming 2016 ICC World Twenty20 and Asia Cup tournament only yesterday, became overnight sensation drawing a mammoth INR 8.50 crores after a fierce bidding war, which was won by his home team -- Delhi Daredevils. Yes, he will play in the IPL, but his spot in the Indian XI is still uncertain.
The 23-year-old is not the only uncapped player to have clinched mammoth deals. Here are five other youngsters who have got plum offers today:
Murugan Ashwin
Not to be confused with the original Ashwin, who is the top-ranked Test all-rounder, this Tamil Nadu spinner has played only three First-class matches and suddenly became the talk of the town. The 25-year-old was bought by Rising Pune Supergiants for a cool INR 4.5 crore.
Deepak Hooda
This 20-year-old has been regular in the domestic circuit for a couple of season, but never got a chance to big. But today, the former Rajasthan Royals player was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 4.2 crores.
Karun Nair
Another hugely talented player but yet to play for his country, Karun Nair found enough takers during the auction. The 24-year-old batsman was bought for INR 4 crores by Delhi Daredevils.
Krunal Pandya
The Baroda all-rounder has emerged as one of the top prospects in the Twenty20 circuit after playing a series of creditable performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 24-year-old was bought by Mumbai Indians for INR 2 crores.
Rishabh Pant
It's double delight for the young wicket-keeper batsman from Uttarakhand. First he helped India beat Namibia to book a Under-19 ICC World Cup semi-final spot with a brilliant 111-run knock against Namibia, then found himself in the limelight with a INR 1.9 crore package from home franchise Delhi Daredevils.
