The Legends League Cricket (LLC) is back with a bang, gearing up for its third season with an exciting auction that had fans and franchises buzzing with anticipation. This season promises to be more thrilling, with six teams splurging big on both Indian and international cricket stars. While some familiar faces like Gautam Gambhir will be missing, the inclusion of newly retired icons such as Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan has added a fresh zest to the league.
Dhawal Kulkarni: The Star of the Auction
One of the most talked-about moments of the auction was when Dhawal Kulkarni, a close friend of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, was snapped up by the India Capitals for a whopping Rs 50 lakh. Kulkarni, who has been instrumental in the success of teams like Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, was the highest-earning Indian player of the day. His experience and skill set make him a valuable asset for the India Capitals as they look to dominate the upcoming season.
International Players Make Headlines
While Kulkarni stole the spotlight among Indian players, it was Sri Lankan all-rounder Isuru Udana who emerged as the most expensive player overall. Udana, known for his sharp bowling and handy lower-order batting, was picked up by Urbanisers Hyderabad for an impressive Rs 61.97 lakh. The franchise also added West Indies’ Chadwick Walton to their squad, spending Rs 60.3 lakh on the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman.
Another notable international pick was Dwayne Smith, the powerful West Indian batsman who has previously wowed fans with his explosive performances. The Capitals, who had already made headlines by securing Kulkarni, added Smith to their roster for Rs 47.36 lakh, further strengthening their batting lineup.
Bidding War for Indian Spinner Praveen Gupta
One of the most intense moments of the auction was the bidding war for Indian spinner Praveen Gupta. Starting with a modest base price of Rs 5 lakh, Gupta saw a fierce competition between the franchises, ultimately being sold to the defending champions, Manipal Tigers, for a staggering Rs 48 lakh. Gupta’s ability to turn the game with his spin could prove to be a game-changer for the Tigers in their title defense.
Exciting New Additions and Power Hitters in Demand
The auction kicked off with Elton Chigumbura, the former Zimbabwean captain, being sold to the Southern team for Rs 25 lakh. This early action set the tone for the rest of the day, with teams eagerly bidding for seasoned veterans and dynamic players.
Hyderabad continued their aggressive bidding strategy by acquiring Samiullah Shinwari for Rs 18.585 lakh. The Afghan all-rounder is known for his aggressive batting and clever bowling, making him a versatile addition to the squad. The franchises’ focus on power hitters was evident throughout the auction, with players like Shinwari being highly sought after.
Looking Ahead to LLC Season 3
The excitement from the auction has set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season of Legends League Cricket. The tournament is scheduled to begin on September 20, 2024, at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur. Fans can expect to see their favorite cricket legends in action as the tournament progresses through venues in Surat, Jammu, and Srinagar.
With the teams now finalized, all eyes will be on how these cricketing greats perform in the upcoming season. The mix of seasoned professionals and newly retired stars is sure to provide a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts across the globe.
