Gambhir sold to Knight Riders for record $2.4 mn

BANGALORE - India’s opening batsman Gautam Gambhir was the first player to be sold in the players’ auction for Indian Premier League (IPL) season four, fetching a record $2.4 million by Kolkata Knight Riders.

Gambhir, who was part of the Delhi Daredevils for the last three years, had a base price of $200,000. The bidding for him saw intense contest between four teams - Kochi, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders.

The Kochi franchise was the first to bid for the Delhi player and were involved in a keen contest with Mumbai Indians.

Bangalore Royal Challengers almost bagged the left-handed batsman, but Knight Riders jumped in the fray at the last minute and bought him for a record amount in the IPL.

Gambhir surpassed Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff, who were bank rolled by Bangalore and Chennai two years back for $1.5 million each.