IPL Auction: Chennai misses out on Ashwin, Karthik

Two-time champion CSK tried its best to bring him back into its fold, involving in a bidding battle with the eventual winner until Rs 4 crore. Once CSK bowed out, it was a two-way race between KXIP and Rajasthan Royals. 

“He (Ashwin) was a big part of CSK. We fixed a price bracket of Rs 4 crore for Ashwin going into the auction. Once the amount went past our mark, we knew it was going to be hard to retain him,” said CSK head coach Stephen Fleming after losing out on Ashwin. 

During his time under Mahendra Singh Dhoni (CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant), Ashwin picked up 100 scalps in 111 appearances at an economy of just over 6.5. “The auction is always a house of casino, I am happy that @lionsdenkxip will be my new home and thank you so much @ChennaiIPL for all the great memories. #IPLAuction,” the off-spinner tweeted after being purchased by the Mohali-based franchise. 

Though CSK missed out on Ashwin, the MS Dhoni-led outfit found Ravindra Jadeja’s new spin twin in seasoned campaigner Harbhajan Singh, picking him at his base price of Rs 2 crore. “He (Harbhajan) was outstanding last year (in the IPL). The long boundaries at Chepauk will only help him. He shares a great rapport with MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, helping us in strengthening our Indian core,” commented Fleming on the inclusion of Harbhajan. 

Chennai lad Dinesh Karthik was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 7.4 cr. The wicket-keeper batsman was on the Chennai radar until Rs 3.6 crore, eventually bowing out as it was beyond its budget. Karthik’s wait to represent CSK is now extended by at least a year, with KKR being the sixth different side he will be representing in the IPL. The right hander has previously been associated with Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions. 

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad man and Tamil Nadu limited-overs captain Vijay Shankar was bought by Delhi Daredevils for Rs 3.2 crore. Elegant opener and Test specialist Murali Vijay, who missed the last season due to injury, remained unsold on the opening day of the auction.