The seventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) auction that concluded recently was a disappointing one for Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). Barring Visakhapatnam teenager Ricky Bhui, no other player came under the hammer.
The ACA players made their presence felt at the earlier editions with players like Y. Venugopala Rao, Y. Gnanaeswara Rao, Paidikalva Vijay Kumar, Sk. Shahabuddin, Kalyan Krishna and B. Sumanth playing for different franchisees. While some warmed the benches, some figured in the playing XI and excelled with their performances.
“As requested by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), we sent names of 17 players who played Ranji Trophy this season. Much to our dismay a good number of performers were ignored. Barring, names like K.S. Bharat (wicketkeeper), B. Sumanth and Ricky Bhui no names were discussed by the franchisees,” said ACA director and former India International M.S.K. Prasad.
Bhui, who is away in United Arab Emirates representing India under-19 team in the ICC World Cup, was roped in by Hyderabad Sunrisers for the base price of Rs.10 lakhs.
Mr. Prasad felt that the consistent performance by Bhui in the quadrangular tournament at Visakhapatnam and other junior tourneys went in favour of his selection. “I was hoping selection of K.S. Bharat for he is the best wicketkeeper available in the domestic circuit. He is also an explosive bat,” Mr. Prasad added.
Many in ACA were puzzled at the raw deal handed out to talented opener D.B. Prasanth Kumar, who topped the batting chart with a well-made 199 against Himachal Pradesh.
Mr. Prasad said that he was constantly in touch with V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid during the auction. “All the franchisees were busy spending money in selecting reputed players both in the domestic and international circuits to strengthen their batting and bowling line-up. Even Hyderabad players, who did well in this season, failed to impress the bidding teams”.
Former Andhra player Y. Venugopala Rao, who migrated to Gujarat, was the prize catch for Hyderabad Sunrisers, who was bought for Rs. 55 lakhs.
