India's middle order batsman Yuvraj Singh, an 'icon' player in the Indian Premier League, is shocked by the low price Australia's skipper Ricky Ponting commanded in Wednesday's landmark auction.
"Surprised? Shocked is a better word for it. One of world's best players has gone for only 400,000 dollars. But, may be, it was thought he was going to Pakistan so he wouldn't be available," said Yuvraj.
'Indian players deserve high prices'
On what could be the reason behind Ponting's compatriot Andrew Symonds proving to be the second most expensive player at the auction, Yuvraj felt the all-round ability of the lanky all-rounder might have tilted the scale in his favour.
"Symonds is an all-rounder, he can hit big, clear the stadium and that perhaps could have helped in his bid," he said.
Yuvraj also said the Indian cricketers in Australia have moved on from the news on the auction front and their focus is back on doing well in the tri-series.
"The general reaction among cricketers was that it was bound to happen. For us the CB series is very important, then the finals, then the Tests [South Africa in India] and then IPL will come into the picture.
"The young players, although are very happy to have received such good money so early in their careers," he said.
Yuvraj, who scored a cracking 76 to help India secure a nail-biting win over Sri Lanka in the last game, said he was happy to have commanded a million-dollar plus price in the IPL auction.
"I had a decent Twenty20 World Cup so I guess I deserved the price," said Yuvraj, captain of the Mohali team.
The Punjab batsman believes his team has a good blend of experienced cricketers from different countries though he termed bowling as his side's great strength.
"Obviously, the format of the auction was such that you could either have good bowling or batting strength. Hopefully, we will have a good group of domestic cricketers to make it a very good side," he said.
Mohali will have the services of Brett Lee and S Sreesanth among others to have a go at the rival teams.
Yuvraj said he is looking forward help from players like Mahela Jaywardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Brett Lee in running his team.
"Playing against Indian cricketers wouldn't be new, as we do so in domestic and Challenger Trophy. But having the presence of Mahela, Lee and Sangakkara would be good as they can help me when I am captaining the side."
He congratulated Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia (the franchise owners of Mohali).
"They were a bit nervous but I told them they did a good job. I had asked them just to be patient while bidding. Of course, it would have been better if the coach and captain were also there, but I think we have a good team."
Yuvraj said besides Mohali, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata are the teams to watch out for.
