Delhi Capitals’ finisher Ashutosh Sharma steals the show in maiden MPL auction

Indore: A brisk round of bidding marked the first IPL-style auction of Madhya Pradesh League, with Delhi Capitals finisher Ashutosh Sharma emerging as the costliest player of the day. The Malwa Stallions secured him for Rs 15 lakh, setting the benchmark in a competitive auction that saw 244 players go under the hammer at Brilliant Convention Centre.Ashutosh, who was picked for Rs 3.8 crore in the ongoing Indian Premier League season, has built a reputation as a reliable finisher. After impressing in his debut IPL season with Punjab Kings in 2024, he continued with Delhi Capitals, making him one of the most sought-after names in the MPL auction.Close behind him was Lucknow Super Giants' Akshat Raghuwanshi, who attracted a bid of Rs 13.8 lakh from Rewa Jaguars. The 22-year-old had a strong MPL 2025 campaign, scoring 239 runs in four matches, including a century. He secured his debut IPL opportunity at Rs 2.2 cr by LSG this year.Bhopal Leopards secured Aniket Verma for Rs 13.2 lakh, while Bundelkhand Bulls signed Shivang Kumar for Rs 13 lakh. Shivang, who has IPL exposure with Sunrisers Hyderabad, drew steady interest from multiple franchises. Among other key buys, Mangesh Yadav went to Gwalior Cheetahs for Rs 12 lakh, while Ujjain Falcons picked up Madhav Tiwari for Rs 10.6 lakh. Royal Nimar Eagles invested heavily in their squad, signing Kumar Kartikeya for Rs 10.2 lakh and Saransh Jain for Rs 9.6 lakh. Experienced wicketkeeper Ajay Rohera, who recently returned to Madhya Pradesh after representing Puducherry in the Ranji season, was bought by Jabalpur Royal Lions for Rs 8.2 lakh.Indore's fast bowler Avesh Khan was acquired by Chambal Ghariyals for Rs 8.2 lakh, while Indore Pink Panthers picked Shivam Shukla for Rs 6.6 lakh.The auction, conducted by renowned commentator Charu Sharma, witnessed intense competition for top-tier players, particularly in Category A. With 10 teams assembling their squads through the auction route for the first time, the focus remained on securing impact players while maintaining balance.Speaking at the event, MPCA president and former MPL chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia said the league continues to grow as a platform for identifying and nurturing talent, with several players already progressing to higher levels.With squads now taking shape, the auction has set the stage for a competitive third season of the MPL, scheduled in Indore after the IPL.