Kings XI Punjab almost splurged the entire amount from their purse at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 auction, signing some star cricketers for the 11th edition of the cash-rich league.
KXIP have never won an IPL title and their team mentor Virender Sehwag believes that the year 2018 belongs to the Punjab outfit.
After the bidding war, the former India cricketer took to Twitter and shared a photo with the team’s co-owner Preity Zinta and other staff members.
“Do Hazaar Adarah, Hoye Hamaara. Best of luck to the boys!,” Sehwag tweeted in his trademark style.
Do Hazaar Adarah, Hoye Hamaara. Best of luck to the boys! pic.twitter.com/UEqDZOx3EM
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 28, 2018
The most surprising moment at the mega-auction came early on Day 1 when the swashbuckling West Indies opener Chris Gayle‘s name was called by auctioneer Richard Madley but no one responded. Despite going under the hammer twice, Gayle couldn’t find any buyer.
The Jamaican lad was finally bought by KXIP when his name came for the third time on the auction table. KXIP bought Gayle at his base price of Rs 2 crore.
Replying to Sehwag’s tweet, Gayle posted a victory sign on Twitter.
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) January 28, 2018
Chris Gayle has numerous records to his name in the IPL. He has the fastest T20 century to his name, off just 30 balls. While playing for Royal Challenger Bangalore, the southpaw smashed the fastest century against Pune Warriors India in 2013.
Gayle also holds the record of most sixes in the tournament – 265. The second best on the list is Mr. IPL Suresh Raina, who has 173 sixes to his name.