Australian pace bowler Jhye Richardson earned a jackpot deal at IPL Auction 2021. After an intense bidding war, the Punjab Kings acquired Richardson’s services for a whopping 14 Crores at IPL Auction 2021.
Richardson made a name for himself with his top-quality performances in the Big Bash League. The right-arm fast bowler has also represented Australia in all formats of international cricket.
Although Richardson is extremely talented, he has little experience of playing in Indian conditions. Also, Richardson has never played in the IPL before. Thus, many fans were stunned when the Punjab Kings spent 14 Crores to sign Jhye Richardson for the 14th IPL season.
In a recent interview with WION News, Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon explained the reason and the thought process of the Mohali-based franchise behind signing Jhye Richardson for 14 Crores at IPL Auction 2021.
“Jhye was always on our list. He is one of the finest components with the ball in white-ball cricket. We stretched ourselves for Chris Morris but Rajasthan Royals got hold of him. Jhye’s ability to bowl at any stage of the match gives us the flexibility we were looking for. And obviously, he is a very handy player with the bat as well. We are really excited to witness Jhye in Punjab Kings jersey in IPL,” Satish Menon stated.
Punjab Kings tried to sign Chris Morris but then spent big on Jhye Richardson
As Menon pointed out, the Punjab Kings also bid an enormous amount of 16 crore to sign Chris Morris in the auction. Unfortunately, they could not sign the South African all-rounder because the Rajasthan Royals outbid them with a record 16.25 crore bid at the auction.
Nevertheless, the Punjab Kings have added some match-winners like Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Fabian Allen, Dawid Malan, and Moises Henriques in their overseas department. They already had Universe Boss Chris Gayle, fast bowler Chris Jordan, and wicket-keeper Nicholas Pooran in the squad. Thus, the Punjab Kings have a reliable overseas department now.
