"From 20 lakh to 10.75 crore" - Twitter in a frenzy as RCB splash the cash on Harshal Patel
Royal Challengers Bangalore splashed the cash on Harshal Patel at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction, ensuring they retain the services of the Purple Cap winning all-rounder.
RCB won a bidding war with SunRisers Hyderabad for Harshal, sealing the deal at βΉ10.75 crore.
Having been traded in for βΉ20 lakh from Delhi Capitals before IPL 2021, Harshal's record-equalling 32-wicket season saw his price skyrocket in the IPL 2022 auction.
While some were happy that he would continue to play for RCB, others were astounded by the huge sum paid for him. Patel became the first bowler to cross the βΉ10 crore mark in the IPL 2022 auction.
Here are the best reactions on Twitter:
RCB snap up Faf du Plessis and Harshal Patel at IPL 2022 auction
Harshal Patel became RCB's second buy at the IPL 2022 auction, after they snapped up Faf du Plessis for βΉ7 crore.
They had come into the auction with a purse of βΉ57 crore and now have βΉ39.25 crore left in the kitty after the two big buys.
RCB had retained Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj, and have now added du Plessis and Harshal to the list.
They still have 20 slots that they can potentially fill.
Harshal also became the second most expensive player at this year's auction after Shreyas Iyer, who went to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for βΉ12.25 crore.
Patel's rise in his stock came after the IPL 2021 season, where he took 32 wickets -- equalling Dwayne Bravo's record for most scalps in a season. To his credit, Harshal achieved this in lesser matches played.
He also made his India debut last year in a T20I against New Zealand. He won a player-of-the-match award as well in one game in that three-match series.