Vijay Mallya In RCB's Jersey (Source:@apnasachinkumar/x.com)
Since the inaugural season of the IPL, the cash-rich league has never failed to amaze the cricket fans. As it is a franchise league, it’s not uncommon for team owners to get involved both on the field and during auctions. Recently, it was revealed how former RCB owner Vijay Mallya played a controversial role in one of their IPL auctions.
In one of the IPL auctions, Mallya’s involvement ruined the auction for his team. Recently, KKR's former director opened up about the moment when Mallya's decision sent RCB into a tailspin.
Jay Bhattacharjya Reveals How Mallya Almost Ruin RCB’s Auction Strategy
In the IPL 2011 mega auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru stepped into the event with their strategy. In the middle of the auction, Mallya rushed to secure Mohammad Kaif, leaving the entire management, including mentor Anil Kumble, in shock. In a recent podcast, KKR’s former Director Joy Bhattacharjya shared the behind-the-scenes story.
“It was a very interesting situation; Mohammad Kaif’s name was taken up (2011 Auction), and Vijay Mallya was there. You had to buy the domestic players at a fixed price. Anil Kumble was in charge, I think, and he had all his domestic players fixed up. So he had to budget 300,000-400,000 for the domestic players,” Joy said.
“Kaif was unsold the first time. Sahara [Pune Warriors] wanted to bid for him, so his name came back. Everyone were expecting Kaif to be bought at that price; suddenly, Mallya thought it was a great idea, and he increased the bid. 50,000-60,000 dollars are sold, and looking in horror is Anil Kumble. He’s stuck because he can’t get the two or three domestic players that he wanted to buy.” he added.
Bhattacharjya Reveals How Virat Kohli Join RCB
In the cricket world, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is fans’ favorite and one of the main reasons behind this is Virat Kohli. He joined the franchise as a youngster and now dominating the tournament. In a recent revelation, KKR’s former director shared the intriguing backstory of how Kohli made his way to RCB.
“Virat Kohli is the captain of the U-19 team, West Delhi boy, sure shot he’s going to be picked by Delhi Capitals [then Delhi Daredevils]. There was a draft of who could pick which player, and Delhi had the chance to get the first player, and they picked Pradeep Sangwan,” he said.
“Delhi’s batting unit had Dilshan, Warner, Sehwag, Gambhir, AB de Villiers, Kohli wasn’t going to fit in, at least then. The moment they take Sangwan, Mallya, who knows nothing but knows Kohli is the Under-19 captain, he takes him. In that unlikely circumstance, probably the longest partnership started.” he added.
Though RCB has yet to capture their first IPL trophy, their popularity remains unmatched. As a player and even as a captain, Virat Kohli has become one of the powerhouses of side. As the new season is commencing soon, fans are waiting to witness the ‘King Kohli Show’ At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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