IPL 2018 Auction: Ranji Trophy 2017-18 winners enter IPL 2018 auction

What's the story?

The members of the Vidarbha 2017-18 Ranji Trophy winning team have entered the frame for selection in one of the many IPL teams during the 2018 auction. Among the names to have submitted their names for the auction, 22 are from Vidarbha, with 15 of those from the title-winning team, reported the Times of India.

In case you didn't know..

Vidarbha were the unexpected champions of India's first-class competition for the 2017-18 season, with captain Faiz Fazal and pacer Rajneesh Gurbani leading their winning campaign.

With the IPL auctions due to be held on January 27 and 28, the talent hunters for the eleventh edition of the IPL have no doubt taken notice of the young and talented performers in the domestic circuit.

The heart of the matter

The IPL franchises already seem to be interested in Fazal, Gurbani, Apoorv Wankhede, Akshay Karnewar, Akshay Wakhare and Aditya Sarvate, the core group responsible for Vidarbha's surprising triumph.

The talent scout of Gujarat Lions, Monty Desai, who has coached Rajasthan Royals in the past, said, “If Vidarbha qualifies for the Super League [of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy], they will get a few more matches to impress the IPL teams.”

He added that he was looking forward to the “value they bring when the chips are down”, also adding that the players would have to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket well.

What's next?

The auction takes place in Bengaluru with a total of 1,122 players in the pool, including big names like England's Test captain Joe Root.

Author's Take

It is not surprising to see the fresh legs try and sneak in into the auction with the lure of a hefty IPL contract coming their way. After the Ranji Trophy, the IPL brings them yet another opportunity to grab the limelight and the attention of the men who matter.