The IPL auction threw up several surprises along the way, as many domestic stars went for a much higher bid than expected.
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Young Indian talent always comes at a premium during the auctions, as teams have learnt to move away from the marquee names and instead concentrate on forming a strong domestic core.
Indian capped players are naturally quite expensive, as they come at a very high price. Over the years, the uncapped core of players in each squad has proved decisive, as the unknown gems usually have a big say in their team’s fortune.
CSK are one team that will remember this, which is why they did their research ahead of the auction. While their squad is slightly weak as compared to previous years, the Chennai franchise bought some good bowlers that may well prove to be great buys in the upcoming season.
One such player is KM Asif, as the 24-year Kerala pacer was picked up CSK for Rs 40 lakhs. While the pacer has not yet played a Ranji game, it was his ability to bowl shear pace that got him his IPL contract.
Speaking after the IPL, this is what Asif had to say about his IPL contract.
“I would not have reached this far in cricket if not for the support from the KCA,” Asif told. Asif also added that it was Sanju Samson who helped him give the trials for a number of IPL sides. “He always encouraged me and was one first one to tell me that my pace was above average,” Asif told.
Asif was the third Kerala player to bag an IPL contract after Samson and Basil Thampi. The pacer could barely believe it, as he is looking forward to share a dressing room with the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis and Ravindra Jadeja to name a few.
With the ability to clock 145 kmph, Asif could use the IPL to announce himself in front of a world stage. You don’t often get such a wonderful opportunity in life, and under the leadership of MS Dhoni, Asif has the chance to do something special.
