Seven UP players make thecut in IPL mega auction

Lucknow: As a total of 577 players went under the hammer during the two-day Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, seven players from Uttar Pradesh succeed in securing their place in various IPL teams, on Monday.These players include Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB; Rs 10.75 crore), former UP skipper Nitish Rana (Rajasthan Royals; Rs 4.2 crore), Sameer Rizvi (Delhi Capitals; Rs 95 lakh), Vipraj Nigam (Delhi Capitals; Rs 50 lakh), Zeeshan Ali (Sunrisers Hyderabad; Rs 40 lakh), UP Ranji skipper Aryan Juyal (Lucknow SuperGiants; Rs 30 lakh), and Swastik Chikara (RCB; Rs 30 lakh).They now join five UP players who have been retained by their respective franchises. These include Dhruv Jurel (RR; Rs 14 crore), Kuldeep Yadav (DC; Rs 13.25 crore), Rinku Singh (KKR; Rs 13 crore), Yash Dayal (RCB; Rs 5 crore), and Mohsin Khan (LSG; Rs 4 crore).Lucknow-based leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari had showcased his bowling prowess in the recent UPT20 League while representing Meerut Mavericks. He emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 24 scalps.Vipraj, another leg spinner from Lucknow, delivered an exceptional performance in his debut Ranji season. He emerged as the second highest wicket-taker in the UPT20 League, securing 20 wickets in 11 matches.At least 25 players from UP were shortlisted for the auction.Talking to TOI, Zeeshan (24), said: "It is a big day for me and my family. I was hopeful that I would be picked up after I gave trials for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals."He said he was not disappointed for not getting selected in Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy squad as he knew that Vipraj was playing exceptionally well and Piyush Chawla's name was also being considered."I realized that I would have to pursue alternative opportunities, and now it has materialised. I remained optimistic as my IPL trials were successful," he added."My coach Gopal Singh invested considerable effort and provided substantial support," he said.Aryan Juyal, who was picked by LSG, said that it was a proud moment for him as he got the opportunity to play for his home team. "Earlier, I was with Mumbai Indians, and Zaheer Khan was also there. I will try to learn more with legends and senior players in this IPL season," he added.Sameer Rizvi said, "I am enthusiastic about the new franchise. As a batsman, the compact ground dimensions and excellent wicket conditions will prove advantageous at Delhi's home venue. I will endeavour to deliver exceptional performances.""I will miss ‘Mahi bhai' (Dhoni) and Chennai. I have acquired invaluable experience there," he said.Former CEO of IPL franchise Pune Warriors, and Hockey UP Wizards, Abhijeet Sarkar said, "LSG team is impressive. I am glad that local talent and players like Zeeshan Ansari, Sameer Rizvi and Vipraj Nigam have been picked up by other teams. Cricket in UP will be the ultimate beneficiary. I am hopeful that players from UP will make the most of this opportunity and use it to leverage not just their careers but also pave the way for future and aspiring cricketers from UP."