England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan has been picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Kolkata. He is also likely to lead the side in the upcoming edition.
Morgan was the second player up in the auction with Kolkata Knight Riders securing his services for 5.25 crore before Chennai Super Kings won the battle for Sam Curran with a bid of 5.5 crores. On the other side, Jason Roy and Chris Woakes were picked up by Delhi Capitals.
However, the Australians stole the show as fast bowler Pat Cummins became the most expensive overseas player in the history of the tournament. He was bought for a whopping INR 15.50 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders while all-rounder Glen Maxwell was bought for INR 10.75 crore by Kings XI Punjab.
Maxwell made himself available for Australia’s tour to India, but he was not selected in the national squad while Marnus Labuschagne got his maiden call-up after some great show in the longer format of the game. He scored hundred in three Tests in a row.
Meanwhile, Robin Uthappa was bagged by inaugural edition winners Rajasthan Royals for Rs 3 crore, but the Indian Test specialist duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihara went unsold.
Josh Hazlewood became a surprise buy as he was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 2 crore. He last played a T20I match back in 2016 and that is the reason, it left everyone by surprise.
Eoin Morgan’s message to KKR after being picked up in the auction:
? Message from @Eoin16 on joining KKR! ?
We’re delighted to have you back as well, Eoin! ?#KnightRiders, describe your current mood using an emoji! ?#IPLAuction #KorboLorboJeetbo #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/cTxtGR7rJB
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 19, 2019
