Legends who remained unsold at the 2018 IPL auction
After two days of exhaustive bidding, the IPL auction finally came to an end on Sunday. A total of Rs. 431 crore was spent and 169 players were sold out of 578 that went under the hammer. Some of cricket's big names were ignored despite their impressive records in the IPL. Here is the list of top players who didn't receive a contract.
Two time IPL centurion Hashim Amla
Hashim Amla, surprisingly, was one of the unsold players despite his stunning performance in 2017 edition. In 16 IPL matches Hashim Amla has scored 577 runs at an average of 44.38 and a strike rate of 141.76. What makes his record even more impressive is that he has 2 hundreds and 3 fifties to his name. His highest score in IPL is 104*.
IPL's highest wicket taker Lasith Malinga
You would be surprised to know that the IPL's top wicket-taker, Lasith Malinga found no buyers. The Sri Lankan, who was a regular face in the IPL since 2009, has bagged 154 wickets in 111 IPL matches at an average of 19.01 and an economy of 6.86. A death over specialist, Malinga will definitely be missed by fans in this edition.
England captain Joe Root
If you are the captain of England's Test team and one of the 'fab fours' of cricket, you would definitely bag an IPL contract. Unfortunately, for Joe Root, it didn't work that way. Root was ignored at his first IPL auction, despite his impressive T20 record where he boasts a healthy average of 39.10 and a strike rate of 128.76.
England's limited overs skipper Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan, who is currently at 16th position in the T20Is batsman rankings ahead of the likes of David Warner and AB de Villiers, was ignored by the 8 franchises during the auction. The 31-year-old, who has been a regular in the previous editions of the IPL, has scored 854 runs in 52 matches at a strike rate of 121.13.
South African speedster Dale Steyn
South African speedster, Dale Steyn was also among the unsold players. The 34-year old pacer is one of the most feared bowlers in international cricket, but has spent almost last 18 months on the sidelines due to injuries. The South African, who missed the last edition due to an injury, has bagged 92 wickets at an economy of 6.72 in 90 games.
Big hitting Kiwi Martin Guptill
New Zealand's big hitter, Martin Guptill did not find any takers. Guptill is one of the 5 batsmen in the world to score a double hundred in ODI cricket. Guptill might be one of the most dangerous batsmen in the shortest format of the game. But, the Kiwi hasn't been a big hit in the IPL with just 189 runs in 10 matches.
