Thaindian News

Bangalore, Jan 8 (IANS) Gautam Gambhir commanding a staggering $2.4 million at the Indian Premier League (IPL) players’ auction Saturday astonished Stephen Fleming and Darren Lehmann, coaches of Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers, respectively.The left-handed batsman was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders, who fought off an intense bidding race with four other teams.

Gambhir, who led Delhi Daredevils last year, was the first player to be auctioned for the fourth season beginning April 8.

Former New Zealand captain Fleming, who is coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), said he was surprised with the price fetched by Gambhir and Irfan Pathan, who fetched $1.9 million from Delhi Daredevils.

“It was good fun watching it (auction). The money spent on Gautam and Irfan Pathan was massive,” said Fleming.

CSK has so far bought India’s Wridhiman Saha and Australian Michael Hussey and Doug Bollinger on the opening day of the auction and Fleming said the franchise has a lot of buying to do in the upcoming sessions. The Chennai-based outfit won the last IPL in 2010.

“We got some buying to do in the coming days. It will be pretty tough for the new franchises to build up a team,” said the former Kiwi captain.

Australian Lehman, coaching the Deccan Chargers concurred with his counterpart.

“The auction is exciting. Gambhir’s price at the start was shocking. That really set the tone for the day,” he said.

Lehman said the team will miss fellow Australian Adam Gilchrist, who led the Chargers to victory in the 2009 season but will now be playing for the Kings XI Punjab.

“We will miss Gilly for sure. But what can you do. That is the nature of the auctions. You have no control over it.”