Ben Stokes shares a mysterious post after being picked by Chennai in Indian T20 League auction

The Three Lions Test skipper Ben Stokes was grabbed by the Chennai franchise for a whopping amount of 16.25 crores. The base price of the star all-rounder was two crores. The first bid was put in by his former team Rajasthan. Bangalore joined them on the opposite side. Through a competitive bidding war, these two teams raised the bid to 6.75 crores.

After this, the Lucknow franchise entered the bid and could only take the count to seven crores. The Hyderabad franchise entered the war and challenged Lucknow. The two-time World Cup champion’s skills were in high demand by both teams. They increased the price of the auction to 15.25 crores. After all, the 2016 champions were searching for a skipper after parting ways with New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.

However, Chennai entering the auction puzzled the Orange Army. The four-time champions and Lucknow were now competing for the New Zealand-born player. Stokes was eventually captured by the Yellow brigade, though at a far higher cost. The Durham player tweeted a yellow card in response to the development.

The 31-year-old played in 2017 for Sanjiv Goenka’s Pune team, who owned the Lucknow franchise now. In the seasons of 2016 and 2017, the now-defunct squad competed in the league. The former England U-19 player helped Pune to reach the final, five years ago, while he was playing for the franchise. Mumbai defeated them in the championship match.

He was the most premium that year, charging more than 14 crores. He made almost that much money the following year after being signed by Rajasthan. Stokes was a member of the squad through the 2021 campaign.

Prior to the player auction last year, he opted out due to mental health concerns. Ben Stokes was available this time, and Chennai have taken him. Given that MS Dhoni will retire after the 2023 season, this may be a long-term decision. Stokes might succeed Dhoni as captain.