Published: Feb 13, 2014, 11:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 13, 2014, 11:01 AM (IST)
Feb 13, 2014
Domestic stars are a vital cog of any Indian Premier League (IPL) side. While the international heavyweights often steal the limelight with a few thunderous performances, the domestic stars contribute with those crucial performances and can make or break a campaign. Thus, when the domestic players were up for grabs at the IPL 2014 Auction, there was tremendous interest and a few impact cricketers did get a good price. In the morning session on Day Two, Gurkeerat Singh Mann was a huge buy as he attracted a bid of Rs 1.3 crores.
Mann was snapped by Kings XI Punjab, for who me played during the last two seasons. During his time at the Punjab franchise, he did show that he did make an impact. At the age of 21, he made a huge impression during a game against the Deccan Chargers at Mohali in 2012, where he took on Dale Steyn at the death to help his side win. That performance showed that he has the temperament to do well and kept his calm under huge pressure.
Subsequently, Mann has gone on to represent Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. So far, in 11 First-Class matches he has scored one ton and two fifties. It is his List A record that is more impressive as in 16 matches, he has 520 runs at an average of 40.00 with one ton and three fifties. In 35 T30 matches, he has four fifties and maintains a strike-rate of 128.69.
Batting is all well and good, but fielding also plays a crucial role in the fast paced game. He has shown that he is a very good fielder and has pulled off some magnificent saves on the field. However, it is his catch of Ross Taylor during he 2013 edition that stole the show. Fielding at fine-leg, a ball was moving at some speed and could have crossed over. But, Mann came running to his right and flung himself to take the catch mid-air.
Teams are certainly trying to get domestic players like Mann who fit the bill.
Catch LIVE BLOG of the IPL 2014 auction here
