IPL 2021 Auction: Twitter reacts as Punjab Kings sign up Jhye Richardson for whopping Rs 14 crore

Punjab Kings have signed up Australia fast-bowler Jhye Richardson for a whopping amount of Rs 14 crore. In the process, the pacer became the third bowler to break the Rs 10-crore barrier in the ongoing IPL 2021 auction. Prior to him, Chris Morris became the most expensive player in the IPL when Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs 16.25 crore while Royal Challengers Bangalore signed up Glenn Maxwell for 14.25 crore.

Quality overseas fast-bowlers have always been in demand in the IPL and thus, Richardson was expected to get a lucrative IPL deal in the auction especially after his impressive performance in the recently-concluded season of the Big Bash League. The right-arm fast-bowler had finished the tournament as its highest wicket-taker.

Richardson picked up 29 wickets at a stunning average of 16.31 and played a crucial role in Perth Scorchers’ march to the final where they lost to Sydney Sixers. The 24-year old did struggle towards the end of the competition but overall, he managed to make a big impression. He was able to find significant swing both ways at good pace in the BBL and will be looking to deliver a similar performance in his maiden IPL season.

Punjab Kings beats competition from others to sign Jhye Richardson:

After the poor performance of their bowlers in IPL 2020, Punjab Kings needed a quality bowler and they went all out for Jhye Richardson. In IPL 2020, Punjab had the second-most expensive attack as they conceded at an economy-rate of over 8.5. Their fast bowlers were dismal for the most part of the season especially in death overs where they conceded at 11.86.

Perhaps that is why Punjab went all out for Richardson who had set his base price at Rs 1.5 crore. Royal Challengers Bangalore made the opening bid for the pacer before Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings entered the race. Interestingly, Punjab had dropped out while Delhi and Bangalore went for the bowler before joining the race at Rs. 7.50 crore. In the end, Punjab beat Bangalore in the race to sign up Richardson.

Here are some reactions on Jhye Richardson’s IPL contract: