“If a director doesn’t think that you fit into the script, then he doesn’t take you. Each one of the team comes in with a strategy set by the coaches, so if anyone doesn’t fit there then he is not taken,” said Preity Zinta, co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab.
As the day unfolded at the IPL 4 auction, people were in for some real surprises especially when players like Sourav Ganguly, Brian Lara and Chris Gayle remained unsold.
But the owners were quick to point out that they had come in with a strategy and that these players didn’t fit in that.
“If a director doesn’t think that you fit into the script, then he doesn’t take you. Each one of the team comes in with a strategy set by the coaches, so if anyone doesn’t fit there then he is not taken,” said Preity Zinta, co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab.
Even Kolkata Knight Riders, who may have to face the fury from the cricket loving fans of Kolkata, also maintained that the decision not to retain Ganguly was completely based on the auction dynamics. “As you know auction dynamics are going to dictate the terms here. We came with completely open mind. The flow of events was unfortunate and the circumstances didn’t let us bid for him,” pointed out Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR.
While, teams were not ready to spend on some big names, they didn’t think twice before spending huge amounts on some players like Robin Uthappa, Irfan Pathan and Ross Taylor, who became millionaires on Saturday.
“Yusuf Pathan’s price is subjective. He brings two skills with him which is batting and bowling. So, paying $1.9 million dollars for an all-rounder like him is fair. He can be a match-winner,” said PB Vanchi, director, GMR Sports, on why he paid such a big price for Irfan, who has been out of action for quite sometime now.
Pune Warriors, who paid a whopping $2.1 million for Robin Uthappa is looking forward to use him in a dual role. “Uthappa is a great T20 player. We can utilise him as a wicketkeeper and also he is a great T20 batsman, so I think the price is fully justified,” said Sushanto Roy, executive director of Sahara, the owners of Pune Warriors.
Preity Zinta was also happy to be back in the IPL fold after all the court cases surrounding her team and has promised to come up with a fantastic team. “All’s well that ends well, when we used to go to the court we used to see a board — Sabka Maalik upar wala and here we are. And I can ensure you that we are going to come back with a mind blowing team,” said Zinta.
With all the teams having already spent nearly 70-80 per cent of their money, it will be test of their mathematical skill as 280 players will go under the hammer on Sunday.
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