Mumbai: The auction for the second season of the Indian Premier League (ISL) at Palladium Hotel here on Friday is a quiet affair. The city that never sleeps looked drowsy outside the posh inn despite the presence of celebrities.
But the bidding started with a bang with two domestic players – Jackichand Singh and Thoi Singh – bagging a lump sum for Pune City FC and Chennaiyin FC respectively.
The Manipur-born Jackichand’s emotions fluctuated while his price kept increasing from the base – Rs 20 lakh. The 23-year-old winger – who also won the best player award for the I-League season (2014-2015) donning Royal Wahingdoh colours – shared the stage with Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan (also co-owner of Pune City FC) who presented him with the team jersey. He was bought for Rs 45 lakh.
Thoi Singh, known for his energy on the central midfield, could not believe himself when he shot up to Rs 86 lakh from Rs 39 lakh. Sunil Chhetri – his Bengaluru FC teammate who sat beside – looked elated at his colleague’s progress.
Jackichand’s Wahingdoh finished third in the I-League and the footballer, fondly known as Jacki, is the latest sensation after the stylish Chhetri. With eight goals from 22 appearances in his career, he made his national team debut against Nepal in March 2015 as a substitute for Lalrindika Ralte.
On the other hand, Thoi represented India at the Under-20 level and did not really have a proper international exposure. But his exploits in the I-League held him in good stead. His only drawback is his height (5 foot 6 inches) but he has the ability to win the ball from any opposition.
‘I never had more fun spending money,’ says Hrithik Roshan:
FC Pune City, the franchise, co-owned by Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, sprang a surprise as they roped in Jackichand Singh (Rs 45 lakh) and Eugeneson Lyngdoh – the first footballer to touch the crore mark (1.05 crore) from Rs 27.5 lakh.
“I have never seen an auction live. We are fortunate to get professionals and bag the two primary targets we had. This is what should be done to promote the game here. Not just these players can get better, but the younger players as well can come through. There are many foreign players and now they will be identifying players like Jackichand,” said Pune City FC manager David Platt.
Hrithik could not stop smiling after buying two big guns.
“Initially, I was nervous thinking why people are so serious here. My heart was beating fast. There is a lot of money, strategy involved. We got exactly what we needed keeping in mind David’s strategy,” said Hrithik, adding: “The orange became more orange.”
“I have never had more fun spending money because what we were buying was worth it,” he added.
Hrithik praised the Indian footballers an expressed happiness at them doing well at the bidding.
“This man has wings (Jackichand) and he flies like a rocket. Even the experience Lyngdoh will get in the team will be huge. The growth process is fantastic. If you are paying a certain price for a value attached, I think it is truly deserving,” said Hrithik.
Jackichand and Lyngdoh, who were sitting beside Sunil Chhetri during the auctions, were seen hugging each other once their price was shooting up.
“Sunil bhaiyya mazak kar rahe the mujhe khush karne ke liye (He was just making fun to keep me happy). I am happy that I will be playing ISL,” said Jackichand.
