5 surprises from the IPL 2016 player draft
The Indian Premier League Players draft recently concluded in Mumbai. Both Pune and Rajkot franchises spent Rs. 39 crore each out of their cap of Rs. 66 crore to pick up five players each from a list of 50. The remaining will be used by them to buy players during the main auction in February, competing with the other 6 teams.After the conclusion of the Vivo IPL draft here is the list of players picked up by the two franchises:Team Rajkot's picks - Suresh Raina (Ind), R Jadeja (Ind), Brendon McCullum (NZ), James Faulkner (Aus), Dwayne Bravo (WI).Team Pune's picks - MS Dhoni (Ind), Ajinkya Rahane (Ind), R Ashwin (Ind), Steve Smith (Aus), Faf du Plessis (SA). Many big names missed out on this draft and some eye-catching decisions have been made by the franchises as well. Here’s taking a look at 5 surprises from the IPL Players Draft.
#5 Raina joint most richest player, and leader of Rajkot\'s batting
Indian ODI middle order batsman Suresh Raina became the joint richest player of the Vivo IPL draft, Rajkot team picks him for astonishing Rs. 12.5 crores. Indian ODI Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was also picked up by Pure for the same amount.
The talented left-hand batsman is the leading run-getter in the history of Indian Premier League. He also holds the record for playing the highest number of IPL matches.
In 132 matches Raina has scored 3699 runs with a batting average of 34.25 and a strike rate of 139.84. The part time right arm off spin bowler also added 24 wickets to his tally.
Judging by his recent form in the ODI series against South Africa, the 29-year-old looked to be struggling. But the Rajkot franchise showed faith in him and showed that they can trust him to be the batsman around whom the team will be formed.