IPL Auction 2018: Social Media Abuzz as Gayle Gets Picked by KXIP

From players to fans to experts, Twitter can’t get enough of the IPL 2018 auction.

Day 2, much in tune with Day 1, of the power-packed IPL auction 2018 threw up a few surprises. While Day 1 saw some big players going unsold, Day 2 saw Indian bowler Jaydev Unadkat raking big moolahs at the auction. Ben Stokes, however, remains the most expensive player of the 11th edition of IPL so far.

Day 2 also brought some cheer for Gayle who finally found a taker in Kings XI Punjab. He was bought at his base price of 2 crore.

With the cricketing world closely watching every move at the Bengaluru auction, the cricketing bonanza has taken over Twitter, with both experts and fans sharing their reactions as the action unfolds.

Here’s a quick look:

“Third Time Does the Trick for Chris Gayle!”

Amla was an option for KXIP. They’ve gone for Gayle. Will be interesting if he starts in the playing XI for the first game. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 28, 2018

For me this is a steal. Outstanding buy by @lionsdenkxip #IPLPlayerAuction2018 https://t.co/wG1gHi7SXq

— Arun Gopalakrishnan (@statanalyst) January 28, 2018

Third time does the trick for Chris Gayle!

He's bought by Kings XI Punjab

https://t.co/IWRq4U0FIo #AuctionDay #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/Y08wL3EyCE

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 28, 2018

The universe boss @henrygayle is a KXIP player! Don't pinch yourself. You read that right! Welcome to the family Chris! #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #IPLAuction

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) January 28, 2018

“Unadkat Will Be Laughing All the Way to the Bank”

It is so good to be a young Indian player.........How the times change!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 28, 2018

Jaydev Unadkat bought by Rajasthan for a mind boggling 11.5 crore. Indian fast bowlers making waves, in SA and the IPL

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 28, 2018

Jaydev was best suited for the sluggish Chennai pitch...RR’s punt with Unadkat is a little risky IMHO. With Buttler, Darcy, Stokes and Tripathi, RR wont make slow surfaces. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 28, 2018

unadkat is the most expensive indian player at this #IPLAuction

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 28, 2018

Wowzer. The highest wicket taker of IPL 2017, but that was stratospheric for Unadkat. Clearly Dhoni had said go hard for him. But so had Smith apparently. RPS boys all. #IPLAuction

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) January 28, 2018

Jayadev Unadkat will be laughing all the way to the bank this year! RR picks him up 11.5C! #summeriscoming

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 28, 2018

Much talk about Jaydev Unadkat and his price point. Value is individual judgement but the fact is that over the last 12 months, he is among the top three Indian T20 quick bowlers.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 28, 2018

Sandeep Lamichhane Becomes First Nepal Player to Be Part of the IPL

Loveliest moment in this auction. Sandeep Lamichhane becomes first Nepal player to be part of the IPL, or for that matter, any international league #IPL2018Auction

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) January 28, 2018

Sandeep Lamichhane, 17 year old legspinner from Nepal, is now an IPL player. Brilliant

— Tim (@timwig) January 28, 2018

Will Ngidi Do the Lungi Dance?

Very excited for what is coming ahead all glory to god ❤🇿🇦😊 @ChennaiIPL

— Lungi Ngidi (@NgidiLungi) January 28, 2018

Gambhir Seems Super Excited to Be Back to His Home Turf

I AM BACK @DelhiDaredevils @IPL

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 27, 2018

Some Nostalgia for Gambhir

Thanks @kkr for all d support. Will miss Kolkata and Eden. Now, time to try and turn it around for @DelhiDaredevils @IPL. Happy to be back... pic.twitter.com/Wx53ilU9ka

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 27, 2018

Brendon McCullum “Very Very Happy”

Very very happy to be joining up with @RCBTweets. In @imVkohli and @ABdeVilliers17, they are two blokes I have dreamed of playing with!

— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) January 28, 2018

Yuvi is ‘Happy to Be Back at @lionsdenkxip’

https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/957243618850467840

Jason Roy ‘Can’t Wait’

Can’t wait to represent @DelhiDaredevils in this years @IPL. Thank you for all the support everyone.

— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) January 27, 2018

Ashwin Doesn’t Mind Trading Chennai for Punjab

The auction is always a house of casino, I am happy that @lionsdenkxip will be my new home and thank you so much @ChennaiIPL for all the great memories. #IPLAuction

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) January 27, 2018

Chris Woakes is Delighted

Delighted to be apart of @RCBTweets for this years @IPL ! Brilliant to be alongside fellow brummie @MoeenAli as well! Exciting times ahead 👍🏼🏏 #IPL11 #PlayBold

— Chris Woakes (@chriswoakes) January 27, 2018

Moeen Ali is Excited

Excited to be part of the @RCBTweets family!! Can’t wait to get started with @chriswoakes #IPL

— Moeen Ali (@MoeenAli) January 27, 2018

Pat Cummins Feels ‘Great’

Great to be picked up by @mipaltan for #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/oObr99sN7c

— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) January 27, 2018

Ben Stokes is Buzzed

Buzzing to be representing @rajasthanroyals in this years IPl and great to be playing alongside @josbuttler

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 27, 2018

Harbhajan’s Already Got the Chennai Swag on Point

வணக்கம் தமிழ்நாடு உங்ககூட இனி கிரிக்கெட் ஆட போறது ரொம்ப சந்தோஷம் உங்க மண்ணு இனி என்னை வைக்கணும் சிங்கமுன்னு @ChennaiIPL Happy to be Playing for my new home #WhistlePodu

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 27, 2018

Yusuf Pathan Excited to Be a Part of the #OrangeArmy

It was a lovely journey with @KKRiders for the last 7 years, would like to thank them for everything. Excited to be a part of the #OrangeArmy now @SunRisers #IPL2018Auction https://t.co/Y0APIkh82X

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) January 27, 2018

Karun Nair “Can’t Wait to Enter the Lion’s Den”

Super excited to be part of @lionsdenkxip , It will be a new journey, but definitely a Journey I will cherish! Can’t wait to enter the Lion’s Den 🙌 #IPL2018 #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi

— Karun Nair (@karun126) January 27, 2018

Shane Watson’s Looking Ahead

Thanks so much to @rajasthanroyals and @RCBTweets for all of the amazing memories. Now it’s an exciting new journey ahead with @ChennaiIPL #WhistlePodu 🙏🙏🙏

— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) January 27, 2018

It’s Good to Be Home: Maxwell

Thank you to the @lionsdenkxip for the last 4 years! The opportunities you provided for me have helped mould me in to the player and person I am today. I’m extremely excited to be able to return to the place where I started my IPL career! Cant wait @DelhiDaredevils! #IPL2018

— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) January 27, 2018

Manish Pandey is “Thrilled & Excited”

A new home starting season 11 @ipl Thrilled & excited to be part of #orangearmy, hope to give my best for @SunRisers!!

Also I would like to thank entire @kkRiders team for some wonderful memories over the years🙏🙏 #IPLAuction https://t.co/EUjKiEPY6e

— Manish Pandey (@im_manishpandey) January 27, 2018

Jofra Archer Overwhelmed

Wow can’t put this feeling into words

— 👑Jofra Archer🔥 (@craig_arch) January 27, 2018

His Name Is Khan…Rashid Khan

His name is Khan....Rashid Khan 😊🙌 #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

The story of IPL auction, perhaps even of cricket in the last 12-15 months, is the rise to eminence of 19-year-old Afghan Rashid Khan

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 27, 2018

Shopping ke Mood Mein Hai: Sehwag to Preity

Ladkiyon ko shopping ka shock hota hai. Preity full on shopping ke mood mein hain. Har cheez khareedni hai

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 27, 2018

Bachpan mein sabji bhi khareedne jaate thhey, toh maa bolti theen theek daam me laana , aur aaj hum aadmi khareed rahe hain ! Farak yeh hai, ab owner bolte hain sahi daam mein khareedna :) #IPLAuction live

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 27, 2018

No Takers for Gayle, Parthiv; Gambhir Goes for 2.8 Cr

Gambhir sold to Delhi for 2.8 crore. Not matched by KKR. Story in itself. Trend so far indicates 35-plus players not considered gr8 value

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 27, 2018

after playing for virtually all teams over the last decade, parthiv patel hasn't found one - could still get a bid later though #IPLAuction

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 27, 2018

Not surprised there is no bid for Chris Gayle. He was always going to be in the wait-and-see category. He will be back and good option at base-price

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2018

Aussies Win Big

The Aussie economy is being shored up here! #Maxwell. #Lynn

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2018

Presenting “IPL’s Favourite Child” Dinesh Karthik

Another windfall for Dinesh Karthik...he’s IPL’s favourite child. KKR’s desperation coming to the fore too. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

Life Is Not Fair #iplauction

Pragyan Ojha:

2016 - Unsold
2017 - Unsold
2018 - Unsold

Purple Cap winner in 2010 IPL. Appeared in 2 IPL finals.

Man of the Match in last his last Test, not selected again.

What an irony of a career!

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) January 28, 2018

Past laurels seem to be counting for nothing in the cases of Lasith Malinga and @henrygayle.. Highest wicket taker and run getter.. Life is not fair is it @IPL #IPL2018Auction

— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) January 27, 2018

It is the passage of time even for the mighty. Two of the greatest players in the history of the IPL, Gayle and Malinga, have both gone unsold

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2018

“Auction Mei Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai”

Koi ser per Nahi hai auction mai kuch bi ho sakta hai.. ek din mai yanha bandha raja and ek din mai rank ho sakta hai that’s auction 🙈🙈😜 https://t.co/r45m4URMAK

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 27, 2018

How the Mighty Have Fallen!

Tymal Mills - 12 crore to unsold #IPLAuction

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 28, 2018

Welcome the Young Crorepatis

i mean prithvi shaw https://t.co/tIz9jrY17e

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 27, 2018

three of india's under 19 boys are crorepatis now - parthiv, shubham and now nagrakoti #IPLAuction

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 27, 2018

India's Under-19 players at Auction:

Kamlesh Nagarkoti - 3.2 crores
Shubman Gill - 1.8 crores
Prithvi Shaw - 1.2 crores
Himanshu Rana - unsold#IPLAuction

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) January 27, 2018

While I am delighted with the bids that U19 players are getting, I really hope coaches and advisors aren't tempted to ensure their wards stay under 19. It is an issue.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 28, 2018

It’s Raining Money for Pandya Brothers

Hardik Pandya - Retained by MI for 11 crores

Krunal Pandya - Bought by MI using RTM for 8.8 crores.

About 20 crores for the Pandya brothers! #IPLAuction

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) January 27, 2018

Indian Spinners Win Big

Indian Keepers enjoyed a windfall today. Saha, Kishan, Samson, Karthik... #IPLAuction #trend

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

Of Bargains and Big Buys

RCB has made a super comeback. MI struck gold with Cutting and Lewis. CSK struggling. KKR in a mess. KXIP neither here nor there. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 28, 2018

Some serious bargains. Shakib to #SRH for 2cr is excellent.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2018

Karun Nair more expensive than Rahane. #IPLAuction works in strange ways... #KXIP

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

Very clever use of right-to-match by #SRH for Rashid and #RCB for Chahal

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2018

KXIP and SRH have looked the best thus far...DD haven’t looked that bad either. KKR strangest. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

Rajasthan have got it right with Rahane at a bargain and the all-rounder they invest in with Ben Stokes plus Smith the captain. Most impressive so far #IPLAuction

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 27, 2018

If SRH had retained Rashid they would have spent 33 cr on Warner , Bhuvi and Rashid. Now they spend lesser. Brilliant SRH again.. saved three crores on Rashid.. #IPLAuction2018

— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) January 27, 2018

Ngidi is very interesting prospect, at 50L for @ChennaiIPL is a very good buy 👍🏼 #IPLAuction

— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 28, 2018

...And a Few Predictions

Here is a prediction. #CSK will have a complete revamp of their team in 2 years.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2018

Surprised to see MI not going a step further for Jos Buttler. Might end up with Parthiv this season again. RTM saved for Krunal. Obvious now. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

Thampi for 95 Lac is a steal. SRH has won this #IPLAuction hands down.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

Trend from this #IPLAuction Big squads is passé. Most teams will end up with 18-22 squad strength.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 28, 2018

Chennai Sticking to Old Guns

A Formidable #CSK Team is building up for #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/DIs6LBLAwL

— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) January 27, 2018

CSK only going for players that Dhoni has seen personally...haven’t got Mohit but will get Unadkat hopefully. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 28, 2018

Swag Game On!

#IPLauction Time for @ChennaiIPL to buy some younger players today?https://t.co/uHfp2TEjhr #AuctionDay pic.twitter.com/zizynkvAlw

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 27, 2018

Expecting a Mud-Pit at Chennai?

Not convinced with CSK’s choices thus far...still need two openers. Fast bowlers. Lots to cover. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

Jadeja, Bhajji, Karn, Tahir and Santner...expecting a mud-pit at Chennai? #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 28, 2018

SRH Happy With Their Choices

Happy with Day 1 #iplauction feel we’ve created a strong balanced squad. #SRH #orangearmy @SunRisers @IPL pic.twitter.com/5gpMihDU0E

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 27, 2018

KXIP Have the Monies

Rahul, Nair, Finch, Yuvraj and Miller. KXIP seemed to have the batting sorted already. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

Yesssssss ! @YUVSTRONG12 is back home at @lionsdenkxip and I cannot be happier 😘 #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #VivoIPLAuction #BalleBalle😘

— Preity zinta (@realpreityzinta) January 27, 2018

Very very serious money from #KingsXI for KL Rahul. Went beyond the #RCB right-to-match budget

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2018

Back to the #VivoIPLAuction after lunch break ! Hope #kxip fans like how the #kxipsquad is shaping up.... #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi Ting😘 pic.twitter.com/S6PykHeqah

— Preity zinta (@realpreityzinta) January 27, 2018

Preity Zinta Hates RTM

I officially hate the #RTM card ! Grrrrrrrrr 😬 #VivoIPLAuction #kxipsquad #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi

— Preity zinta (@realpreityzinta) January 27, 2018

MI Happy to Pick West Indian Cricketers

🗣 "Evin Lewis was our No. 1 pick!"

Akash Ambani is elated with another West Indian pick and expresses his joy about the same.#MISquad2018 #IPLAuction #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/SxmsWbUtlY

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 28, 2018

Someone’s Very Unhappy With the Auction

Is an auction of human beings( read IPL Players) a good idea? Auction of humans used to take place in barbaric ages. Can’t there be a more dignified method of evaluating skill and talent?

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) January 27, 2018

Bangalore Make Interesting Choices

RCB’s tactics a little interesting...Top Heavy, once again. Kohli, McCullum, De Kock, and ABDV. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018

boy the bangalore boys are rich today - nair, rahul, manish #IPLAuction

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 27, 2018

RCB were happy to spend 9 Cr for Lynn...but let go of Rahul for 11 Cr. And they have McCullum too. Interesting. #IPLAuction

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 27, 2018