After two days of a fierce bidding war in Bengaluru, over 1,000 players went under the hammer at the conclusion of #IPLAuction, where the eight franchisees managed to rebuild their squads for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (@IPL).
Cricket fans, teams, players, owners and critics shared their reactions regarding the transfers over the weekend, in addition to auction highlights, in real-time on Twitter. The tremendous volume of conversations made the hashtag #IPLAuction top India trends, as the action unfolded on the platform between January 27-28.
More than 770,000 Tweets related to #IPLAuction were sent in real-time over the span of the two-day auction. This was the biggest #IPLAuction on Twitter in the history of @IPL, showcasing the popularity that the IPL has gained over the years.
One of the hottest topics of the auction was the purchase of Jaidev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) and Ben Stokes (@benstokes38), as they emerged to be the most expensive Indian and overseas players respectively, during the auction days.
It's a big money deal as @rajasthanroyals buy @benstokes38 in the #IPLAuction. https://t.co/LAN76La96B
— Twitter Moments India (@MomentsIndia) January 27, 2018
A truly #HallaBol cricketing star, @JUnadkat has a message for all the Royals out there.
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) January 29, 2018
Great to see it coming straight from the field!
What message would you like to give him?
आप जयदेव को क्या कहना चाहेंगे?#AbBajegaDanka #IPL2018 #HallaBol #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/wOQI7GafGl
Buzzing to be representing @rajasthanroyals in this years IPl and great to be playing alongside @josbuttler
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 27, 2018
There were some unanticipated and dramatic movements, and as a result cricket fans will see their favorite players playing for new franchisees. Some of the top players such as Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir), Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh), Ravichandran Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) and Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) and many more took to Twitter to express themselves and share their feelings.
Also Read: 10 years worth Indian Premier League Campaigns for inspiration!
Thanks @kkr for all d support. Will miss Kolkata and Eden. Now, time to try and turn it around for @DelhiDaredevils @IPL. Happy to be back... pic.twitter.com/Wx53ilU9ka
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 27, 2018
வணக்கம் தமிழ்நாடு உங்ககூட இனி கிரிக்கெட் ஆட போறது ரொம்ப சந்தோஷம் உங்க மண்ணு இனி என்னை வைக்கணும் சிங்கமுன்னு @ChennaiIPL Happy to be Playing for my new home #WhistlePodu
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 27, 2018
Thanks so much to @rajasthanroyals and @RCBTweets for all of the amazing memories. Now it’s an exciting new journey ahead with @ChennaiIPL #WhistlePodu ???
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) January 27, 2018
The auction is always a house of casino, I am happy that @lionsdenkxip will be my new home and thank you so much @ChennaiIPL for all the great memories. #IPLAuction
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) January 27, 2018
Very very happy to be joining up with @RCBTweets. In @imVkohli and @ABdeVilliers17, they are two blokes I have dreamed of playing with!
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) January 28, 2018
The #IPLAuction might be over, but this is just the beginning of the action for #IPL2018.