Ashwin, Jagadeesan ecstatic on getting picked

The initial and immediate reaction of most who get picked by the franchisees is one of astonishment that closely borders on hysteria after learning of the astounding price they have been bought for. 

After staying glued to his TV set on day two of the auction and struggling to keep the heightening levels of tension under control, this was more or less the same behavioural pattern that legspinner M Ashwin experienced. And he was able to let go of all his pent-up stress the moment Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired his services for  Rs 2.2 crore. 

“I must admit I was a little anxious when my name came up for bidding. I wasn’t focusing on how much money I would be bought for but all I needed was some team to evince interest in me. And I’m grateful that RCB made me feel that I belong to this level,” said an overjoyed Ashwin. Having learnt the identity of his new team, Ashwin can’t wait to team up with the RCB duo of captain Virat Kohli and coach Daniel Vettori. 

“To play under the captaincy of Kohli is truly a dream-cometrue moment. And as for Vettori, there is so much to learn from him. I was a big admirer of his during his playing days and I have watched a lot of his videos. He knows best when to bowl defensively and when to attack. He was a thinking cricketer and I’m looking forward to improving under his guidance,” added the 27-year-old. 

With RCB buying another Tamil Nadu player in the highly rated allrounder MS Washington Sundar, Ashwin will have one familiar face in an alien land. “I’m extremely happy that Washington is also a part of RCB. We all know how talented he is and I’m not surprised that he commanded such a hefty price of Rs 3.2 crore,” remarked Ashwin. 

At about the same time that Ashwin was celebrating his news with gusto, the household of N Jagadeesan was swamped with the same euphoric scenes when he was bought for Chennai Super Kings at his base price of Rs 20 lakh. 

“It came as a surprise and I feel my hard work has been rewarded. Playing in IPL is a whole new experience and just to share the dressing room with such legends will be enriching. I’m really not bothered about failing to attract a much higher price and at this stage of my career this is an opportunity I would look to make the most of,” said the 21-year-old wicketkeeper. The auction-day leaves some bellowing in rage while for those like Ashwin and Jagadeesan it is a day to cherish.