IPL 2021 Auction: Uncapped Indian players who attracted big bids in Chennai

Bengaluru, February 18: A total of 129 players went under the hammer in Chennai for the IPL 2021 auction and there were a lot of big money buys with South African all-rounder Chris Morris becoming the most costliest buy in the Indian Premier League history.

While Morris was sold to Rajasthan Royals for a whopping 16.25 Crore, there were some uncapped Indian players who also fetched some big money. Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham was the highlight as the off-spinning hard-hitting batsman became the most expensive uncapped player.

Apart from Gowtham, Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen, Tamil Nadu all-rounder Shahrukh Khan, Sauraashtra pacer Chetan Sakariya also had serious bidders. Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun Tendulkar, who made his senior Mumbai debut earlier this year was also bought in the auction.

A look at India's uncapped players who struck gold at the IPL auction on Thursday (February 18):

Krishnappa Gowtham

Base price: Rs 20 lakh, Bought for Rs 9.25 crore by Chennai Super Kings

Style: Spin All-rounder

The 32-year-old Karnataka all-rounder is not new to IPL, having played for multiple teams, most recently Punjab Kings. Chennai Super Kings found merit in his ability to spin the ball and come up with big shots when required. He has dismissed India skipper Virat kohli too a couple of times with his off-spin.

Released by Punjab Kings, the hefty deal with CSK must have surprised even Gowtham himself. He has 1045 runs with one century from 42 First Class games apart from 166 wickets.

Shahrukh Khan

Base price: Rs 20 lakh, Bought for Rs 5.25 crore by Punjab Kings

Style: Spin All-rounder

Named after a Bollywood heart-throb, the young Tamil Nadu batsman earned a reputation of being smart finisher with his big-hitting ability. The 25-year-old played a key role in his side winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year. He went unsold in the auction last time but his sparking show at SMAT made it difficult to ignore him.

In five First Class games, he has two half-centuries including an unbeaten 92.

Chetan Sakariya

Base Price: Rs 20 lakh, Bought for Rs 1.2 Crore by Rajasthan Royals

Style: Left-arm pacer

The 22-year old Saurashtra pacer has emerged from a humble background, growing up in Bhavnagar district. His family did not have a TV till last year and had to depend on neighbours to watch him in action. He made an impression at the Cooch Behar Trophy and also got to train at MRF Pace academy under Australian legend Glenn McGrath.

Mohammed Azharuddeen

Base price: Rs 20 lakh, Bought on base price by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Style: Wicket-keeper batsman

One of those batsmen who caught eye in this year's SMAT was 22-year-old Kerala batsman Azharuddeen. His route to fame was a sensational 37-ball century against Mumbai. Named after former India captain, Azharuddeen's average of 25.91 in 22 First Class games and 22.25 in 24 List A matches, is not impressive but he played a knock that could well prove to be life-changing.