Windfall for wicketkeepers at IPL 2018 Auction

IPL 2018 Players auction — Image Source : BCCI A file image of Sanju Samson.

Wicketkeepers sold like hot cakes on the day one of the IPL 2018 Auction as the franchises appeared ready to pay huge prices for them. Parthiv Patel, who is currently playing as Team India's wicket-keeper after Wriddhiman Saha injured his neck, went unsold at the Indian Premier League 2018 Auction. But a few heads turned when young Sanju Samson's name was announced. Samson had the highest bid as wicket-keeper with a base price 1 crore. He was seen sold to the Rajasthan Royals for a whopping 8 crore. Yes. This is no joke.

The Kerala wicket-keeper has played for Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and has represented Team India in a T20I match. He has scored 1462 runs in the IPL with a career high of 102 runs. He has played 66 matches and is known as a smasher with the bat. The Kerala born wicket-keeper will now be seen in the Royal colours behind the stumps for Rajasthan.

First choice Test wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha is on his way to Sunrisers Hyderabad for 5 crore whereas Kolkata Knight Riders bagged Dinesh Karthik for 7.40 crore, and retained Robin Uthappa for 6.40 crore.

Players who were registered for the wicket-keeping role saw India's Parthiv Patel and England's Billings going unsold on the first day of the IPL 2018 Auction.

Here's the list of the wicket-keepers at the IPL 2018 auctions Day 1

Parthiv Patel (Base Price of Rs 1 crore) goes unsold

Quinton de Kock (Base Price Rs 2 crore) - Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs. 2.80 Crore

Wriddhiman Saha (Base Price Rs 1 crore) - Sunrisers Hyderabad to Rs 5 crore

Jonny Bairstow (Base Price Rs 1.50 crore) - Unsold

Dinesh Karthik (Base Price Rs 2 crore) - Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 7.40 crore