When IPL started way back in 2008, the uncapped Indian players weren’t part of the Auctions. Franchises had an opportunity to sign a contract with them. But it all changed when the uncapped Indian players started going under the hammer as the lives of many players changed. Many players who dreamt to make a living out of cricket finally had their dreams fulfilled as they started getting a lot of money as they deserved it.
Even in this IPL Auction, many uncapped Indian players got huge bids and surprisingly many of these went back to their previous franchises. It is not easy for the franchise to get back an uncapped Indian player because not many teams retain these players and in the Auction, you can’t control certain things. So, on that note let us have a look at five uncapped Indian players who went back to their previous franchise.
5. Shahbaz Ahmed
Royal Challengers Bangalore who spent a lot of money on a few overseas players also managed to get back Shahbaz Ahmed who was part of their franchise in IPL 2021. Shahbaz Ahmed is a left-arm spinner who can bat as well. In the practice matches for RCB, he smashed a lot of runs.
In the last IPL, Ahmed picked up 7 wickets at an economy rate of just 6.57. Shahbaz has been doing well in the domestic circuit and even in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, he is playing an integral role for Bengal. RCB has a good scouting team and they might be looking at Ahmed as a future player and so they would have bought him back.
4. Harpreet Brar
Another left-arm spinner is part of the uncapped Indian players who went back to their previous franchise. Harpreet Brar who was part of the Punjab Kings franchise in IPL 2021 will be part of the same franchise in IPL 2022. Punjab Kings managed to buy him back for 3.8 CR in the Auction.
In the last IPL, Brar picked up 5 wickets at an economy rate of 6.04. He became famous after the match against RCB where he picked up the wickets of Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell. Brar has some batting ability and can smash a few big ones if necessary. PBKS has assembled a strong side and Brar is another good buy for them.
3. Abhishek Sharma
Muttiah Muralitharan who is part of the SRH coaching staff has said that Abhishek Sharma will open the batting with Kane Williamson in IPL 2022. Sharma who was part of the SRH franchise over the last couple of years opened the batting for them in the last few games in IPL 2021.
The left-handed opener from Punjab has done well at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and he can also chip in with a few overs of left-arm spin. Many experts have liked his free-flowing batting and he can be a player to watch out for in the future.
2. Shivam Mavi
Kolkata Knight Riders tried to get back most of their players and Shivam Mavi was one of the uncapped Indian players who they bought back for 7.25 CR. Mavi has been in and out of the team for KKR but has put in a few good performances over the last few years.
He has pace and he can bowl well in the powerplay and that’s why KKR might have punted on him. He is an injury-prone bowler and so it would be a challenge for KKR to keep him fit throughout the IPL.
1. Shahrukh Khan
Before the IPL Auction, Shahrukh Khan was getting predicted as the most expensive uncapped Indian. While he wasn’t the first still, he was the second most expensive uncapped Indian as his previous franchise PBKS managed to get him for 9 CR.
PBKS wanted to retain him but with the deal not getting through they had to buy him back for a whopping 9 CR. He has been the talk of the town as he is the best domestic finisher in white-ball cricket. He famously smashed a six off the last ball in the SMAT Final when his team needed five to win. Even in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he had a strike rate of 186.03 in 7 innings. PBKS would be happy that they got him back in their side.
