Sports

Unsung Aussie attracts $900,000 IPL bid

Web desk Nov 30, -0001

BANGLORE: Little-known Australian all-rounder Daniel Christian set the pace on the final day of the Indian Premier League auction on Sunday after he was bought for $900,000 by the Deccan Chargers.Christian, who had a reserve price of $50,000, has played just three Twenty20 internationals for Australia but has performed well recently in domestic games.The opening day of auction on Saturday saw 15 players bought for over $1 million, as team owners including business tycoons and Bollywood actresses bid at the auction in Bangalore.The second-highest earner in Sunday's morning session was Indian paceman Umesh Yadav, who went to Delhi Daredevils for $750,000, followed by compatriot Munaf Patel, bought by Mumbai Indians for $700,000.Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait, who has played three Tests, 25 one-dayers and 17 Twenty20 matches, went to Rajasthan Royals at his reserve price of $300,000.Sri Lankan veteran Sanath Jayasuriya, Australian Peter Siddle, and England's Ashes heroes Ian Bell and Tim Bresnan were among the unsold players, who can come up for rebidding at the end of the auction.The players will receive their auction price annually for a three-year period, depending on how many games they play.The Twenty20 tournament starts on April 8 and hopes to shake off recent scandals over corruption allegations and false ownership records.On Saturday, seven Indian players fetched $1 million or more.Left-handed opener Gautam Gambhir was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record $2.4 million. He was joined in the $2 million club by compatriots Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa and Rohit Sharma."I was expecting to get around $1.8 million, but I am thankful to all the teams who bid for me," Gambhir was quoted as saying in the Times of India."I've always given my best shot while playing for Delhi and I'll be at my best for KKR as well."Gambhir represented Delhi Daredevils in the first three editions of the tournament.England duo of Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff held the previous record when they went for $1.55 million each in 2009. Pietersen, with a reserve price of $400,000, was bought by Deccan Chargers for $650,000 this time. AGENCIES