In-form Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, who was expected to be one of the most expensive players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction in Bengaluru, met the expectations as there was an intense bidding war for the youngster at the two-day event in Bengaluru. MI, who haven’t spent more than 10 crores on a player during an auction before, changed their strategy for the first time for Kishan – whom they bought back for a whopping sum of Rs 15.25 crore.
While it was Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) who were involved in a bidding war, it was Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who joined the bidding once PBKS pulled out. Refusing to let go of a talented player in Kishan, MI won the bid eventually, making Kishan the second-most expensive Indian player in the history of IPL auctions.
MI took to social media to also share a video where Kishan looked delighted with his reunion with the five-time IPL champions.
“Hi everyone, really excited to be back with MI. I know everybody has treated me there like a family and I am really happy to be there and I hope I give my best when I join my team,” Kishan said.
Having lost Quinton de Kock to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), MI were keen to bring back Kishan and also changed the way they approach an IPL auction, having never spent more than 10 crores on a player before at the mega event.
Kishan was expected to be retained by the MI management but the think tank instead retained Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard and Suryakumar Yadav.
Yuvraj Singh is the costliest Indian player in IPL auction history as he was bought for 16 crores by Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2008.
Before Kishan, India middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer was the most expensive player in IPL mega auction as he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for 12.25 crores.
