IPL 2019 Auction: Varun Chakaravarthy creates a sensation, goes to Kings XI Punjab for Rs 8.4 crore

Varun Chakaravarthy was the much-hyped player who was expected to break the bank in the 2019 Indian Premier League auction and he did not disappoint. In a massive bidding war between Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab, Chakaravarthy was bought for over 40 times his base price as he was picked by Kings XI Punjab for the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League. Along with Chakaravarthy, the other uncapped player who reaped massive benefits is Shivam Dube, who became the costliest uncapped fast bowler in the history of the IPL when he was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 5 crore.

The story of Chakaravarthy is very unique. He played in school cricket without much success and he quit the game to pursue a career in academics. However, his love for the game was rekindled and he got back into the game. He played for a fourth division of a Chennai club and he reaped massive success. This got him a spot in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and he bowled brilliantly to guide Siechem Madurai Panthers to the title with nine wickets at an astonishing economy of 4.7.

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Speaking to News 18 before the auction, Chakaravarthy said it was his love for the game that got him back into the game. “I don't know, I just built up so much pressure inside me and it blasted... I just quit. I walked in and right away said I want to stop working and I came back. I told my parents that my mind was not there, I just wasn't able to do it. They understood and supported me, although I didn't know what I was going to do next. I dusted off my old kit bag which I hadn't used for six years. I didn't know anything else. I had to take up cricket again,” Chakaravarthy said.

On the other hand, Shivam Dube got the notice of the franchisees when he smashed five sixes in one over during the domestic season. The other thing which helped his cause was that he did not bowl many extras. He has been touted as the next Yuvraj Singh by Sunil Gavaskar due to his clean hitting.