Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting rolled the cube and it was Shreyas Iyer’s flip to fetch the large bucks from the franchise, not Rishabh Pant’s. Forward of the beginning of the public sale, it was prompt that Pant can be PBKS’ high precedence, particularly contemplating that Ponting is the workforce’s coach, however the franchise broke the financial institution on Iyer, splashing INR 26.75 crore. In reality, PBKS did not even bid for the coveted wicket-keeper batter who was finally bought to Lucknow Tremendous Giants for INR 27 crore, a document price in IPL public sale historical past. Later, Ponting gave delicate little reply when requested in regards to the absence of a bid for Pant.
Punjab Kings, who entered the mega public sale with the largest purse of Rs 110.5 crore, did not hesitate to shell out cash within the marquee picks. After participating in a fierce bidding struggle with Delhi Capitals, PBKS acquired Iyer for Rs 26.75 crore, making him the second-highest-paid star in IPL historical past.
Going all in for Iyer meant PBKS needed to suppose earlier than bidding for Pant when he entered the public sale. When Pant’s identify popped up for public sale, PBKS stored their paddle low all through the bid as many franchises went after him.
Lucknow Tremendous Giants finally ended with Pant’s providers with a price ticket of Rs 27 crore, making him the highest-paid star in IPL historical past.
Ponting acknowledged the affect of Pant however admitted that having signed Iyer, the franchise wasn’t eager on participating in a bidding struggle for Pant. “I have not bought it but. I bought the opposite one. I imply, Rishabh, everybody is aware of what Rishabh can do, his worth to the sport, his worth to the workforce. He’s a dynamic participant, has an infectious perspective and is a winner,” he mentioned.
PBKS buying Iyer would imply that they’ve probably invested in a possible captaincy candidate. Ponting was fast to notice that he’s but to have a phrase with Iyer about captaincy and revealed that he tried calling him earlier than the public sale however bought no response.
“I have not spoken to him (Shreyas Iyer about captaincy) but. I attempted to name him earlier than the public sale, however he did not choose up,” he mentioned.
With ANI Inputs
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