“Sorry, nahi le paya” – Avesh Khan reveals Rishabh Pant’s message after IPL 2022 auction
The pace sensation Avesh Khan from Madhya Pradesh Avesh Khan became the most expensive uncapped player when Lucknow Super Giants acquired his services for a whopping INR 10 crore at the IPL 2022 auction. His former franchise Delhi Capitals were keen on buying him back but fell short in the tug of war. After an intense bidding war, Lucknow roped in Avesh.
The tall and lanky fast bowler shot to fame in the last IPL, where he picked up 24 wickets in 16 games and was Delhi’s highest wicket-taker. However, they had to let him go after the franchise decided to retain Anrich Norjte ahead of the mega auction. The Capitals did try their bid to bring back the 25-year-old seamer but didn’t succeed.
The emotions echoed in the voice of Delhi’s captain Rishabh Pant, who is currently with Avesh Khan in the India squad that is playing West Indies. Speaking to Sportskeeda, Avesh revealed that conversation that transpired between him and Delhi Capitals’ captain.
“I would miss them [Ricky Ponting and Co.] a lot because I had an emotional connect with the Delhi Capitals. After our flight landed in Kolkata, I met Rishabh outside and he held his arms wide open for giving me a hug. He told me, ‘Sorry, le nahin paye’(sorry we couldn’t buy you),” Avesh said.
Avesh Khan will play for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022
“Because, they weren’t left with a huge purse and had players to buy as well. When I watched the auction later, I saw that they did place a final bid for me at 8.75cr, but Lucknow eventually bid the highest. So it was a very emotional moment with Rishabh; we have played Under-19 together, we always sit together after matches, hang out together”, Avesh Khan added.
Avesh Khan will now pair up with England pacer Mark Wood for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022, which is expected to start in the last week of March. They also have the likes of Ankit Rajpoot and Dusmantha Chameera in their ranks along with a couple of pace bowling all-rounders.
The squad will be led by India’s white-ball vice-captain KL Rahul and will be head coached by Andy Flower while former India cricket Gautam Gambhir will be the mentor.
