England’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Phil Salt, expressed his confusion and surprise at being overlooked in the IPL 2024 auction, held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Despite setting his base price at INR 1 crore, the 27-year-old, who had delivered a promising performance for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, did not receive any bids after being released by the team for the 2024 edition.
Salt, who had a successful debut IPL season earlier in the year, amassing 217 runs in nine matches with a striking rate of 163.91 and two half-centuries, expected to be picked up based on his previous performance.
It was a confusing morning: Salt after being overlooked in IPL 2024 Auction
“It was a confusing morning,” Salt said in the moments after he’d scored a second consecutive T20I hundred for England against the West Indies. “I expected to be picked up, having gone there last year and done well and after the year that I’ve had, but these things happen. It’s part of the lottery of an auction, it happens in draft processes as well. There’s a few lads in our dressing room who are going to have a very good Christmas and I’m over the moon for them.
The England opener deliberately chose to sleep in late, aiming to miss a significant portion of the auction. His agent kept him updated through text messages on how things were progressing. Salt’s omission comes at an awkward time, considering his recent outstanding form in international cricket. He has scored consecutive centuries for England, contributing to their back-to-back victories, which has resulted in the series against the West Indies being tied at two apiece. Remarkably, until just four days ago, Salt had not registered a professional T20 century, and now he has managed to achieve this feat twice in quick succession.
ENG vs WI: Phil Salt’s hundred helps England level series
Despite the IPL setback, Phil Salt has been making headlines with his recent international performances. He played a crucial role in England’s victory in the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies, scoring a match-winning hundred in the third T20I and following it up with another century in the must-win fourth T20I. In the fourth T20I, Salt scored a quick 57-ball 119, leading England to a formidable total of 267-3. His outstanding form has not only helped England level the series but has also drawn attention to his capabilities on the international stage.
In the upcoming fifth and final T20I scheduled for December 22, all eyes will be on Phil Salt as he aims to continue his stellar performance and contribute to England’s success in the series.
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