Sunrisers add value to bench strength

Hyderabad: The cream having been sliced into the dish on the first day, Sunrisers Hyderabad shifted gears on the second and final day of the auction for the seventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) and blended variety by roping in players who could prove to be the surprises in the package-ones who were uncapped but hold immense promise.

The stock bears the look of a sound investment, at least on paper. Of course, in doing so they earmarked the price quite justifiably with the jackpot from among the eleven added to the bandwagon being spinner Karn Sharma for a whooping Rs 3.5 crore. That the price escalated to that amount from his otherwise meagre base price of Rs 30 lakh is indicative of the proven skills of Sharma. For instance, one of the factors going his way was the fact that enjoyed the best economy rate in the previous edition.

Sunrisers snatched him Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab with the latter giving Hyderabad a run for its money when the bidding hit the roof.

Another big buy on Thursday was Karnataka batsman K L Rahul, who was in good nick and played a major part in the State's successful Ranji outing, this time round.

Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Parvez Rasool will bolster the team's middle-order besides strengthening the spinning option. Former Rajasthan Royal wicket-keeper Naman Ojha has been roped in for 50 lakh. Ojha is likely to be used the first choice stumper and preferred over Zimbabwean Brendon Taylor so that other foreign players could be accommodated into the squad.

Ashish Reddy and Prasanth Parameswaran were the other notable purchase on the day along with Amit Paunikar, Srikkanth Anirudha, Ricky Bhui, Chama Milind and Manprit Juneja.

Meanwhile, amid reports that the Governing Council would prefer South Africa as a possible alternative venue is coming as music to Sunrisers. This is not just from the presence of Dale Steyn in the ranks but more because of superstitious beliefs. After all, the only edition to be held outside Indian shores, the second also held in South Africa, was won by Hyderabad.