By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was bought for R18.6 million (9.25 Indian crore) by the Punjab Kings at the IPL auction on Saturday.
Rabada, who has been in sizzling form for the Proteas in Test cricket in the 2021/22 summer to a point where he was top wicket-taker in the recent Test series against India, was a key component of the Dehli Capitals bowling attack.
He took 25 scalps at an average of 14.72 in the 2019 edition where he was second behind fellow countryman Imran Tahir, who was playing for Chennai Super Kings at the time.
He then went five better the following season with 30 wickets at an average of 18.26, a collection that saw him take the tournament’s purple cap with some ease.
Rabada has starred for the Delhi Capitals in the past two editions of the IPL.
Rabada is currently with the Proteas Test squad in New Zealand where they’ll be looking to become the first team since 2017 to win a Test series against New Zealand in their backyard.
The first of two Tests that will form part of the World Test Championship starts on Thursday at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Kagiso Rabada is SOLD to @PunjabKingsIPL for INR 9.25 Crores ??#TATAIPLAuction @TataCompanies
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 12, 2022
Meanwhile, Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock was bought for R13.5m (6.75 crore) by new IPL franchise the Lucknow Super Giants. He had previously played for the Mumbai Indians.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore picked up Faf du Plessis, formerly of the Chennai Super Kings, for R14m (7 crore).