First-ever cricketer to earn more than INR 16 crore in an Indian Premier League auction, former South African all-rounder Chris Morris wasn’t bogged down by the pressure of a hefty price tag. Former Indian batters namely Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh, meanwhile, endorsed completely different views on the topic.
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Been among the most expensive players in the history of IPL auctions, Gambhir and Yuvraj had admitted more than once that they always used to feel the pressure of sumptuous amounts they earned as annual IPL salary. All-rounder Rahul Tewatia, on the other hand, seconded Morris’ opinion a year later as he was also never bothered about the IPL salary he was withdrawing each season.
Chris Morris Had No Pressure Of INR 16.25 Crore IPL Price Tag
Despite average performances in the tournament over the years, Morris always managed to get solid paychecks in the IPL. Considering how overseas pacers are always in demand in addition to Morris’ ability to whack some huge maximums made him an attractive commodity in IPL auctions.
During IPL 2020 auction, he was sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 10 crore but he failed to fulfill his potential yet again. Interestingly, Morris got injured after that season and didn’t play another representative match till IPL 2021 auction. That said, the franchises still expressed faith in him to make him the most expensive player during IPL 2021 auction.
Ahead of the tournament, Morris talked about the life-changing amount he would receive after being roped in by Rajasthan Royals. He admitted that there is always a pressure of the same, but it has nothing to do with the performances on the field. Readers must note that this was Morris’ second stint with RR after playing for them for a price of INR 1.4 crore in 2015.
“It’s natural to have a little bit of added pressure when something like that has happened [at the auction], but the pressure that you get from a price tag doesn’t affect you on a cricket field at the end of the day,” Morris was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Chris Morris IPL 2021 Auction
With a base price of INR 75 lakh, Morris’ first bid had come within no time from Mumbai Indians. Royal Challengers joined them and kept going until Royals joined the race at INR 7.75 crore. When the bid reached INR 10 crore, it looked like Mumbai would get their man but the Royals had other plans.
When the amount reached INR 13.25 crore, Mumbai opted out of the race. Surprisingly, Punjab Kings entered the bidding process agreeing to splurge INR 13.50 crore on Morris. Both Rajasthan and Punjab were at it before the former acquired the Proteas player for a mind-blwing price of INR 16.25 crore. Needless to say that this was one of the most intense bidding battles of IPL auction history.
Morris, however, couldn’t justify his price tag during the season. He picked 15 wickets at an economy rate of 9.17. With the bat in hand, he had a disastrous season where he could just score 67 runs at a strike rate of 136.73. Unsurprisingly, IPL 2021 proved out to be Morris’ last season in the tournament as well.
