On Saturday, he became one of the top eight buys after just three first class matches under his belt. He is rated highly in the Tamil Nadu cricketing circles, especially by his namesake and India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
No many had heard of Tamil Nadu leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin before the IPL auction.
On Saturday, he became one of the top eight buys after just three first class matches under his belt. He is rated highly in the Tamil Nadu cricketing circles, especially by his namesake and India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Many young Indian uncapped players like Murugan struck gold in the auction. Teams have opted for fresh legs, looking at skills and current form in tournaments like Syed Musthaq Ali T20. How else could Deepak Hooda (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Karun Nair (Delhi Daredevils) be picked up for Rs 4 crores each?
"It is good that Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament took place before the IPL, which helped many cricketers who were in form. The scouts were on the lookout and whoever they found in form may have been picked," said Madhya Pradesh medium-pacer Ishwar Pandey, who was picked by Rising Pune Supegiants for Rs 20 lakhs.
While little known Rajasthan fast bowler Nathu Singh, who was picked for the tour game against South Africans for his sheer pace, was also snapped by Mumbai Indians for a whopping price for 3.2 crore. MI also got talented India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's brother Krunal, a left-arm spinner and batsman, for Rs 2 crore.
"We have been scouting for talents for the last seven months. Our scouts have travelled to the length and breadth of the country to look out for domestic talent," said Akash Ambani owner of the Mumbai Indians.
The defending champions also added an unknown Hubli-born all-rounder, leggie Kishore Kamath who played in the Karnataka Premier League for Rs 1.4 crore to their list.
Even India U-19 players like Rishabh Pant benefitted from the auction. The aggressive Delhi batsman was bought by Daredevils for Rs 1.9 crore.
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