Brathwaite lands big payday
BENGALURU, India (CMC): RISING WEST Indies star Carlos Brathwaite made headlines at the Indian Premier League auction yesterday when he was snapped up by Delhi Daredevils for US$626,000.
The 27-year-old, who made a huge impact with his power-hitting on the recent Test tour of Australia, entered the draft with a base price of US$30,000, but saw his value catapult as Delhi moved quickly to secure his services.
He will now make his firstever appearance in the glitzy multimillion-dollar tournament that runs from April 8 to May 29.
“Excited to be a part of IPL and Delhi Daredevils. Giving thanks,” Brathwaite tweeted shortly afterwards.
He was one of four West Indies players to find success during t he auction. Opener Dwayne Smith was picked up by new franchise Gujarat Lions for US$343,000, Test and one- day captain Jason Holder was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for $104,000 while legspinner Samuel Badree went to Royal Challengers Bangalore for $74,000.
POWERFUL BATSMAN
Brathwaite, a powerful lower order batsman and steady seamer, has been on the fringe of West Indies Test selection for some time, but finally made his debut on the tour of Down Under last December.
He struck 59 in his first Test innings at Melbourne and then flaunted his bold attacking style in the final Test in Sydney, blasting 69 from 71 balls with seven fours and four sixes.
However, it was his scintillating hundred in a one-day game against Sri Lanka Cricket President’s XI last October in Colombo that would have caught the attention.
He faced just 58 balls and slammed ten fours and seven sixes in a devastating knock.