RYAN VREDE reflects on an eventful IPL auction for South Africans that saw a highly ranked T20 batsman go for a bargain and a Proteas star snubbed.
So, it’s that time on the cricket calendar when some Saffas significantly swell their bank accounts based on their perceived value to an IPL franchise.
There are others yet who will wonder how they will live on single-figure millions and still others who will watch the tournament from their lounges after going unsold.
There were winners and losers, and this is my breakdown of exactly which South African players fell into which categories.
Best buy: Faf du Plessis
The Royal Challengers Bangalore paid R14 million (7 Indian crore) for the former Proteas skipper, who spent almost a decade at the Chennai Super Kings. RCB gain one of the format’s most consistent and skilled batsmen, an excellent fielder and an astute leader (reports suggest he’ll captain them). Despite Du Plessis being 37 years old, RCB will see a return on their significant investment.
Bargain buy: Aiden Markram
Markram went unsold on day one of the IPL auction but got picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for just R5.2m (2.6 crore) early on day two. When you consider that his form in the T20 World Cup last year drove him to No 3 in the format’s rankings, this deal is a (relatively) low investment with potentially high rewards for the Sunrisers.
Surprise buy: Dewald Brevis
The star of the U19 World Cup was always going to be looked at, especially given his aggressive and inventive batting style. But I was surprised that the Mumbai Indians paid R6m (3 crore) for him, given that he is untested in senior cricket. The kid is a special talent, and I’m happy that, even at 18 years old, he would never have to work another day in his life if he didn’t want to. I hope he carries his price tag well.
Most understandable non-buy: Imran Tahir
With this latest rejection, it appears Tahir’s T20 career in elite tournaments is over. The 42-year-old has long maintained that he still has the ability to play international cricket, despite not doing so since 2019. Now it appears the IPL has no room for him. His record in T20 cricket is strong, with an economy rate of 6.93 and a strike rate of 16.8. But there are a clutch of high-class spinners in the format at present, most of whom also possess the athleticism in the field that Tahir lacks. He was a fine T20 player and may yet turn out in lesser tournaments. But his days of playing in elite tournaments are done.
Bye-bye, Tabraiz Shamsi
I feel Shamsi’s pain, I do. He is the world’s No 2-ranked T20 bowler, yet went unsold. However, in a tournament where a broad skill set is essential, teams rarely spend big money on a specialist spinner. Shamsi offers nothing with the bat and is no more than an adequate fielder.
Buy the way: Kagiso Rabada
Here’s something to ponder. Rabada, who was sold for R18.6m (9.25 crore) to the Punjab Kings, could bowl a maximum of 408 deliveries in the 2022 IPL. This would make each delivery worth around R45,600. Not bad work if you can get it.
