Franchises turn to uncapped players,Rayudu in demand

This unusual interest means the Ranji final will not be a duel between the teams alone — it will also be about fringe players trying their best to impress franchise-owners of cricket’s richest tournament.

RCB,which has already spent $8.64 million of its $9 million kitty,didn’t even wait to see how the potential hires fare in the Ranji final. Team owner Vijay Mallya confirmed that the process of signing up uncapped players had started. “Following the discussion between me and Bharat Patel,cricket advisor to the president of the Baroda Cricket Association,Sidhartha went to meet uncapped players recommended by Patel and also to explore the possibilities with two uncapped players from Rajasthan,” Mallya Senior said on Monday.

It isn’t just Baroda and Rajasthan either. Fringe players across India are getting phone calls promising lucrative deals. Abhishek Jhunjhunwala,who played for Rajasthan Royals in earlier editions of the IPL,has got calls from two other teams — even though he wasn’t a regular in the Bengal Ranji side this season.

“I have got offers from Kochi,Pune and of course Rajasthan. I am looking at my options and will take a call by tomorrow evening. I have learnt a lot playing under Shane Warne and with Rajasthan Royals,” Jhunjhunwala,who has played 19 first-class games,said.

Punjab top-order batsman Mandeep Singh,one of the brightest junior stars in the country,said,“I have got calls from four teams but I am closely looking at two.” Mandeep is set to bag a Rs 10 lakh contract.

According to IPL rules,uncapped players have been divided into three categories. Those who made their debut over the last two years must be paid Rs 10 lakh,those who have been playing for two to five years will get Rs 20 lakh and those with more than five years’ experience,Rs 30 lakh. Teams were not allowed to buy these uncapped Indian players at the auction.