'Franchise would not have had the money to buy him'- Gautam Gambhir on Dasun Shanaka's price if Indian T20 League auction took place after Ind- SL T20I series

Gautam Gambhir Dasun Shanaka (Image source: Twitter)

Sri Lanka T20I captain Dasun Shanaka is currently tearing up India vs Sri Lanka T20I series. In 2 matches, the left-hand batter has made 101 runs at a sensational strike rate of 206.12.

Not just that, he has also taken two wickets in the two matches providing an all-round performance to his team. On the back of his half-century knock, Sri Lanka posted a huge total of 206 and won the match by 16 runs.

His incredible performances against India have now raised questions about the Indian T20 League and the fact that the Sri Lankan player was overlooked. In the recently held Indian T20 League mini-auction where all-rounders were in high demand, Shanaka went unsold.

The batting allrounder had a base price of INR 50 Lakh and many expected the player to bag a hefty deal from one of the teams. Everyone however was shocked as the 31-year-old went unsold at the auction while the likes of Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, and Cameron Green bagged record deals.

Now former India player Gautam Gambhir has highlighted the mistake made by the Indian T20 League franchises and has said that things would be different if the auction was done today.

"I won't have money, he would be that expensive, the way he has batted. That is what the auction is all about. Imagine if this series had happened just before the auction, some of the franchises would probably not have had the money to buy him," said Gambhir.

Series on the line for both teams

Sri Lanka and India would clash in the 3^rd T20I match on January 7^th. Both have won one match each and the Saturday clash will be a decider for the two teams. India won the first match by 2 runs by the visiting team made a great comeback winning the second by 16 runs.

Both would be looking to get the win and come out with a statement win. For Sri Lanka, a win in India would double down on their Asia Cup supremacy. For India it would be proof that the team is moving in right direction after leadeship changes.