Tue Nov 26 15:08:17 UTC 2024: ## Only Three Kerala Cricketers Picked in IPL Mega Auction

**KOCHI, KERALA –** Despite twelve Kerala players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction on November 26th, only three secured contracts. Vishnu Vinod was picked up by Punjab Kings for ₹95 lakh, Sachin Baby rejoined Sunrisers Hyderabad for a base price of ₹30 lakh, and Vignesh Puttoor was acquired by Mumbai Indians. Several other Kerala players, including Rohan S. Kunmal and Mohammed Azharuddeen, failed to attract bids.

The auction saw the return of Sachin Baby to the IPL after a three-year hiatus. Baby, who previously played for Rajasthan Royals (2013), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2016), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018-2021), has consistently performed well in domestic cricket, including a top-scoring performance in the Kerala Cricket League. His inclusion brings the number of Keralite players in the IPL to three, alongside Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals) and Vishnu Vinod. The auction also saw several other Kerala players fail to find buyers, despite their successes in domestic leagues.

The relatively low number of Kerala players selected highlights the competitive nature of the IPL auction and the high standards required for selection.

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