Dhoot confident of bagging IPL Pune team

After losing out on the Indian Premier League bidding last year, Venugopal Dhoot, chairperson of the Videocon Group, did not lose hope and went for a re-bid this year, but the auction was put off following a change in rules.

Undeterred, Dhoot is bent on bidding for the Pune team and has roped in actors Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapur and Saif Ali Khan, and city-based Atul and Varsha Chordia of the Panchashil Group to be part of his bidding group, putting to rest all speculation about whether he would be giving it a shot again.

Confirming the development, Varsha Chordia said, "We are part of the consortium and we are waiting for the re-bidding to happen soon. I can not comment any further."

Though the results will be out only on March 21, Dhoot is confident of bagging the team this time. Speaking to MiD DAY on his way to Delhi he said, "We are definitely winning it this time and I am 90 per cent sure. The scenario is hopeful."

Out of love for cricket, Dhoot is not leaving any stone unturned to win the bid. He added, "I love cricket and have been a cricket player while studying at Fergusson College."

The re-bidding will happen in a couple of days. It was supposed to be on Sunday, but the governing council of the IPL decided to bring in changes and cancelled the auction, disappointing bidders.

Though Dhoot refused to divulge the money they were putting up, he said any group could bid only if it is worth a minimum of Rs 100 crore.