The auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 saw the pure domination of Australian players. They initiated the bidding war amongst franchises. From Glenn Maxwell to Nathan Coulter-Nile, Aussie players were all over in the auction. However, the real star in the auction was Australia’s speedster Pat Cummins, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at a jaw-dropping price of INR 15.50 crores.
Cummins didn’t play the last season due to the preparations of World Cup 2019, but this time it was on the cards that he might turn out to be the most expensive buy and what exactly happened. He started a bidding war between KKR, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). The bid just kept going up, and in the end, KKR won the contest and became the proud franchise of the Australian fast bowler.
On one hand, people were surprised by the whopping amount Cummins got, however, on the other hand, BCCI President Saurav Ganguly justified the considerable amount that KKR invested in getting the Aussie pacer.
“No, I don’t think (Cummins’ price being too high). It has a lot to do with demand. Especially these small auctions bringing players in go after go. Ben Stokes became a part of this small auction, and that’s why his value went off the roof of 14 crores,” said Ganguly.
Often referred to as ‘Dada’, Ganguly said that the pitch at Eden Gardens suits pacers; therefore, Cummins is the right choice for Knight Riders.
“KKR on this hard, green pitch at Eden where there are pace and bounce for the fast bowlers. I think there was a competition between Delhi Capitals and KKR till the last, and Delhi Capitals gave up after a certain point (Rs15 crore). So, I think it’s about supply and demand all the time,” added Ganguly.
