While everyone expected Ben Stokes, Sam Curran and Chris Green to bag big bucks at Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 auction, England middle-order batter Harry Brook became the most expensive overseas speciallist batter in IPL auction history.
In the first phase of bidding, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) engaged in an intense bidding war to rope in Brook for a whopping Rs 13.25 crore. Rajasthan Royals (RR) were adamant of getting Brook’s services but they ran out of funds.
After a signing that surprised many, SRH head coach Brian Lara explained why they went all out to rope in England’s big-hitter who did not live upto expectations in T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
"In the absence of Nicholas Pooran, we were looking for someone who could finish games batting at 5 and 6. Harry Brook's exploits around the world have shown he has the capability. It will take time for him to come into the groove. However, the expectations are high and he is a great choice," Lara said.
"Brook has played in Asian conditions, in the PSL as well. That kind of experience is going to serve him well in India. Although he has not played in the IPL before, he comes from a strong environment - playing under Brendon McCullum and winning the T20 World Cup. He is getting accustomed to winning, and is a great asset," he added.
Brook broke Shimron Hetmyer’s record of most expensive overseas speciallist batter. Hetmyer was picked for Rs 7.75 crore in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction by finalists Rajasthan Royals.
The 23-year-old Yorkshire-born batter was exceptional in the seven-T20I series against Pakistan earlier this year. He scored 238 runs from six innings at an average of 79.33 and a strike rate of 163.01. He was England's highest run-scorer on the list.
Brook who made his T20I debut in January against West Indies has scored 372 runs from 17 innings at an average of 26.57 and a strike rate of 137.77 including a high score of 81 not out.
