Patiala cousins strike it rich

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 18

Prabhsimran Singh and Anmolpreet Singh, cousins from Patiala, became the talk of the town today when they were bought for a combined total of Rs 5.6 crore in the IPL auctions this evening.

Prabhsimran Singh was picked up for Rs 80 while Anmolpreet fetched a price of Rs 4.80 crore. Both had a base price of Rs 20 lakh. Anmolpreet was picked up by Mumbai Indians while his cousin was bought by Kings XI Punjab.

“I am very lucky that I got chance in the IPL at a very early age, more so when I am an uncapped player,” said the 20-year-old Anmolpreet.

Prabhsimran, a wicketkeeper-batsman, started playing cricket when he was in second standard. He said he would make fullest use of the opportunity. Talking to the Tribune, elated Prabhsimran said, “Paji, mauka mileya hai, khed ke dikhavanga (I have got the opportunity and I will do my best).”

Prabhsimran, who idolises Virender Sehwag, is yet to play in the Ranji Trophy, but dreams of playing for India.

Prabhsimran said he was surprised when he was bought for a whopping Rs 4.8 crore. “Paji, I was surprised while I was being auctioned at such a high bid,” he said.

Anmolpreet Singh, a hard-hitting right-handed batsman, was part of India's Under-19 World Cup winning team in 2018.

Kamalpreet Singh, cricket coach in the city, “I am happy smalltown players have got such a big platform as IPL.”