IPL Auction 2014: Five biggest surprises from Day 1

Yuvraj Singh was the most expensive buy, but there were plenty of surprises on Day 1

As is the norm, there were plenty of surprises in day one of the IPL Auction 2014. Whilst some quality Indian and international players got the big bucks, there were plenty more that we left feeling bemoaning their bad luck. Although the unsold players from Day 1 go into the auction tomorrow, there were still some puzzling moves or non-moves, if you want to call it that. Here is the 10 biggest surprises, in terms of unsold players in Day 1 of the auction.

5. Brett Lee (Base Price 2 Cr)

The Australian pacer might be retired from International cricket, but his exploits in the recently concluded BBL03 showed that he has still got it. Unfortunately for Lee, the timing of his auction and the fee might have deterred possible suitors, but there is still a chance, he might get picked tomorrow. His experience and his knack of bowling at the death, might just make a side splash the necessary cash.

4. Ross Taylor (Base Price 2 Cr)

A victim of coming up late in the order, the explosive New Zealand batsman missed out on all the fun. With many teams looking for quantity in the auction tomorrow, it looks like the man who hit back-to-back hundreds against India last month is likely to go unsold tomorrow as well.

3. Alex Hales (Base Price 2 Cr)

The number one ranked T20 batsman in the world couldn’t find a place on any team’s list on most wanted as he went unsold through Day 1. Although Hales has permission from ECB to play in IPL, unlike many English players, nobody went for him, which is a big surprise considering his numbers.

2. David Hussey (Base Price 1 Cr)

David Huseey

Whilst his brother Michael Hussey was on his way to Mumbai, David Hussey went unsold in what has to be perhaps the biggest surprise of the day. David Hussey is one of the biggest hitters going around, can bowl at the start of the innings and is one of the best fielders in the world at the moment. So, it will definitely be a surprise if nobody opts for him tomorrow.

1. Mitchell McClenagan (Base Price 0.3 Cr)

The New Zealander was arguably the best bowler in ODIs in 2013 and his knack of picking up wickets at regular intervals is something most teams would die for. Unfortunately for him, he came at the very end, when most teams were just looking for the day to end. It is a foregone conclusion that he will be bought tomorrow and with a base price of just 30 lakhs, he would be a bargain for any side, considering his wicket-taking ability.