Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana emerged as one of the biggest buys of the IPL auction as Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for ₹18 crore after an intense bidding war. Starting at a base price of ₹2 crore, Pathirana, who has played exclusively for Chennai Super Kings so far, triggered immediate interest from multiple franchises.

Delhi Capitals opened the bidding before Lucknow Super Giants joined the contest, with steady increments of ₹20 lakh quickly pushing the price beyond ₹5 crore. The two franchises continued to trade bids at pace, taking the amount past ₹10 crore as the auction room buzzed with tension.

Late entry, big purse and decisive strikes in the IPL auction

With LSG holding the bid at ₹12.60 crore, Delhi Capitals took a long pause before returning at ₹15.40 crore. However, DC eventually withdrew at ₹15.80 crore, opening the door for KKR to enter decisively at ₹16 crore, flexing the strength of their sizeable purse.

Lucknow Super Giants made one final push but backed out at ₹18 crore, allowing KKR to seal the deal. Pathirana was officially signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹18 crore, marking one of the standout moments of the auction.

Soon after, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi also sparked a fierce contest. Starting at his base price of ₹2 crore, Rajasthan Royals initiated the bidding before Chennai Super Kings raised the paddle at ₹2.20 crore. The two teams steadily drove the price past ₹4 crore in a closely fought duel.

CSK briefly exited at ₹4.40 crore but quickly re-entered at ₹4.60 crore, forcing Rajasthan to respond. Despite CSK holding a stronger purse, RR refused to back down and pushed the price to ₹6 crore, at which point CSK withdrew.

Sunrisers Hyderabad then entered the fray at ₹6.20 crore, adding another twist to the battle. Rajasthan stayed firm, eventually raising the bid to ₹7.20 crore, where SRH stepped aside. Rajasthan Royals signed Ravi Bishnoi for ₹7.20 crore, closing another dramatic auction sequence.

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