Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka would have received the highest bid at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction if India vs Sri Lanka series had taken place before the auction, according to former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir.
In a recent interview, Gambhir said that Shanaka’s impressive performances for the Sri Lankan team, including a match-winning knock against India in the ongoing Twenty20 series, would have made him a hot commodity at the auction. “If India vs Sri Lanka series had happened before the IPL auction, I have no doubt that Shanaka would have got the highest bid,” Gambhir said.
Shanaka’s value at the auction was ultimately lower, as he went unsold in the IPL 2023 Mini Auction, and was previously bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for his base price of INR 50 lakhs in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. However, Gambhir believes that the all-rounder’s performances in the upcoming matches could lead to a big payday in the future.
“Shanaka is a player to watch out for in the future,” Gambhir added. “He has the talent and the mental toughness to succeed at the highest level, and I have no doubt that he will continue to impress in the IPL and for the Sri Lankan team.”
Only time will tell if Gambhir’s prediction comes true, but one thing is certain: Shanaka is a player to keep an eye on in the future.