IPL 2021 player auction: Royal Challengers Bangalore buys Glenn Maxwell for Rs 14.25 crore

Glenn Maxwell Picture Courtesy: AFP

IPL auctions can throw surprises. And it was once again evident on Thursday in Chennai. A consistent performer across all formats Steven Smith hardly generated any interest among the eight franchises. However, Australia's limited overs all-rounder Glenn Maxwell set the stage on fire.

Royal Challengers Bangalore showed interest at his base price of Rs 2 crore, but second bidder Delhi Capitals managed to seal the deal at Rs 2.2 crore.

In Maxwell's case, as many as four franchises showed interest. Kolkata Knight Riders were the first to bid at his base price of Rs 2 crore followed by Rajasthan Royals. Just as KKR looked to seal it at Rs 3 crore, Royal Challengers Bangalore entered the fray. KKR continued to bid as the bid amount reached Rs 4 crore.

Chennai Super Kings entered the bidding process late and escalated Maxwell's value to Rs 5.5 crore. The interest shown by RCB and CSK made one wonder whether Maxwell's willow will swing at Chepauk or Chinnaswamy Stadium.

In a short time, Maxwell's fortune soared over Rs 10.75 crore, the price Kings XI Punjab paid in the last IPL auction.

Both teams continued to bid fiercely and ultimately RCB successfully secured Maxwell's service at Rs 14.25 crore.