BANGALORE, India, CMC – Relatively unknown West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine has landed a lucrative deal with Kolkata Knight Riders in the glitzy Indian Premier League.
The 23-year-old Trinidadian, who only made his international debut last December in India, was picked for US$700 000 at the IPL auction yesterday.
Narine caught the attention of many during Trinidad and Tobago’s campaign in last year’s Champions League Twenty20 in India when he grabbed 10 wickets at an average of 10.50 runs and an economy rate of 4.37 runs.
Though he has played only three first class matches, Narine has been impressive in T20s for Trinidad with 22 wickets from 16 matches and an economy rate of less than five.
His three One-Day Internationals have all been against India and he was especially impressive in the third match in Ahmedabad when his 10 overs cost him 34 runs and earned him two wickets.
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell was also successful, landing a healthy deal of $450 000 with the Delhi Daredevils.
The Jamaican has been a revelation in his short international career, turning in some explosive one-day performances for the regional side.
He hit a scintillating 49 and grabbed four wickets against England in Chennai during last year’s World Cup and was brilliant in an undefeated 92 of 64 balls in the third ODI against India in Antigua last June.
Meanwhile, elegant left-handed stroke-maker Darren Bravo will turn out for the Deccan Chargers after being picked up for $100 000 while Trinidadian medium pacer Kevon Cooper went for $50 000 to the Rajasthan Royals.
Batsman Marlon Samuels, who entered the auction with a base price of $100 000 was left unsold along with Windies speedster Fidel Edwards, batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan and fast bowler Ravi Rampaul all of whom attracted the same base price.
The IPL said players left unsold, however, would be available in an online auction through open trading from Monday.
Indian batsman Ravindra Jadeja made headlines yesterday when he went for a whopping $2 million to Chennai Super Kings while Sri Lankan stroke-maker Mahela Jayawardene was bought for $1.4 million.
