The mega auction 2022 for the 15th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) was set to be an exciting and a thrilling affair and the first day of the mega auction proved to be exactly something like that.
From the reuniting of Indian all-rounders Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya, to getting several players back to their former teams, the IPL mega auction turned out to be a dramatic event.
Ashwin and Buttler for RR
Another significant takeaway of the first day of the mega IPL auction was surely seeing Rajasthan Royals franchise signing Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin and this meant that England wicketkeeper-batman Jos Buttler will be seen playing along with the Indian spinner. Ashwin was signed by the Rajasthan-based franchise for Rs 5 crore and Buttler on the hand was retained by Royals for an amount of Rs 10 crore.
Aswhin and Buttler were involved in an infamous run-out dismissal which had taken place back in 2019 IPL. In that particular match, Buttler was batting on 69 and had decided to step out of the crease at the non striker’s end and Ashwin removed the bails to dismiss the English batter. The process of the dismissal had invariably created a huge controversy as the two players got involved in an unforgettable dispute.
CEO's big revelation
While talking about it, RR CEO Jake Lush McCrum, revealed that the team had a conversation with Buttler on picking Ashwin and Buttler “was absolutely fine with it.”
“We had conversation with Jos Buttler on picking Ashwin, he was absolutely fine with it. May be we will have to practice that in the nets with him. But otherwise they are looking forward to play together,” RR CEO said while talking to the press during the lunch break at the mega auction in Bengaluru.
Apart from these two players, the Sanju Samson-led side also landed New Zealand pacer Trent Boult for Rs 8 crore, prolific Indian opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal for Rs 7.75 crore, West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer for Rs 8.5 crore, Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for Rs 6.50 crore and many other players as well.
At the end of the first day’s auction Royals were left with Rs 12.15 crore remaining in their purse.
