Bangalore: Little known Australian all-rounder Daniel Christian was bought for an astounding $900,000 by the Deccan Chargers while veteran Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya didn't find any takers on the second day of the auctions for the fourth edition of Indian Premier League.
In an otherwise quiet day when most of the foreign players went unsold, it was Christian with a base price of $50,000 was bought for 18 times more.
No one could have even imagined that the 27-year-old from New South Wales will go for such a price. He has played three T20 internationals for Australia. Christian is primarily a fast bowler who can hit a long way in the lower order.
"We believe Dan Christian is a good buy. He is good fast bowler and a decent batsman. He is also a brilliant fielder," Chargers owner Gayathri Reddy said.
Delhi Daredevils were the biggest gainers as they snapped up fringe fast bowlers. Umesh Yadav with a base price of $50,000 went for a whopping $750,000 while former KKR pacer Ashok Dinda was bought for $375,000 while veteran pacer Ajit Agarkar was bought for $210,000.
Munaf Patel was bought by Mumbai Indians for $700,000 while Mohammed Kaif went unsold at the auction.
Another surprising move was India discard Venugopal Rao getting a staggering deal of $700,000 from Delhi Daredevils.
Among other players who went unsold are Michael Yardy of England, Jacob Oram and Kyle Mills of New Zealand, Ravi Bopara, Monty Panesar and Tim Bresnan of England and Fervez Mahroof of Sri Lanka.