3 Biggest Surprises Of IPL 2020 Auction

The IPL 2020 auction is done and dusted as all the eight teams have completed their respective squads for the upcoming season. 332 players went under the hammer in Kolkata for the 73 spots up for grabs. There were some expected moves in the auction but there were also some surprises.

The teams had come into the auction with their respective strategies but there were many signings which left almost everybody stunned. In fact, we have seen in the past as well that some moves leave everyone perplexed in the auction and the IPL 2020 auction was not a different story.

A few players who were expected to get high bids didn't get them whereas some who were not expected to attract huge responses, were signed for a whopping price.

On that note, we take a look at the three biggest surprises of IPL 2020 auction.

#3. Pravin Tambe getting a deal despite being 48 years old.

Pravin Tambe.

It is said that the IPL is for the young players who are coming through the ranks. Not many expected the 48-year old Pravin Tambe to get many buyers when he put his hat in the ring for the IPL 2020 auction because of his age. However, Tambe surprisingly was brought by Kolkata Knight Riders at his base price of INR 20 lakhs. Ergo, Pravin Tambe became the oldest ever player to get a bid in the IPL auction.

The leg-spinner last played in the IPL in 2016 when he represented Gujarat Lions against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Tambe made his IPL debut at the age of 41 years. They say never say never and Tambe is a perfect example of the same. Subsequently, it would be interesting to note if the veteran leggie will get any chances in KKR.

#2. Chris Lynn Only Getting Picked At His Base Price:

Chris Lynn.

Australia's combative batsman Chris Lynn was expected to get a whopping price in the auction. However, when Lynn was the first name called by auctioneer Hugh Edmeades, only Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani's hand went up. It was surprising to see no other bids for the explosive batsman and Lynn was sold at his base price of INR 2 crores to the reigning champions.

Lynn was expected to get a huge bid as he was in sublime form in the recent form. The aggressive right-hander scored 371 runs in eight innings in the recently concluded Abu Dhabi T10 league, at an average of 53 and a blistering strike rate of 236.30. He was awarded the Player of the Tournament and was instrumental in the success of Maratha Arabians.

The hard-hitting batsman has a rich IPL legacy too; he has scored 1280 runs in 41 IPL matches at an average of 33.68 and a strike rate of 140.66.

#1. Pat Cummins going for whopping INR 15.50 crores to Kolkata Knight Riders.

Pat Cummins

Australia's ace paceman Pat Cummins was expected to get a huge bid in the IPL 2020 auction but not many expected that his price will shot through the roof to reach a whopping INR 15.50 crores. Cummins is at the numero uno position in the ICC Test rankings and his recent form was always going to get him a big cheque in the auction. However, Cummins might not have expected himself to get that price himself.

Consequently, the gun Australian pacer became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history going past Ben Stokes who was sold at INR 14.5 crores to Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017 auction.

Cummins has the pace under his belt but it would be interesting to note how he will bowl in the death overs for Kolkata Knight Riders.