IPL auction: Royal Challengers Bangalore pays Rs 14 crore for Yuvraj

Yuvraj Singh was the biggest catch in the first round of Wednesday's Indian Premier League auction, while Kevin Pietersen, as expected, was the overseas player who commanded the most. 

Out of the Indian team for the last four months, Yuvraj Singh suddenly had two pieces of good news in two days. 

He commanded the highest price in the opening round of the IPL auction for the seventh edition of the cash-rich Twenty20 extravaganza, as Royal Challengers Bangalore paid a whopping Rs 14 crore for his services.

The player, who won India the inaugural T20 World Cup and the 2011 50-over World Cup, earlier captained Kings XI Punjab and the now-defunct Pune Warriors. 

It was on expected lines, but came about in an unexpected manner. 

Considering he was sidelined by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Kevin Pietersen was always meant to be a prized catch among the overseas players. 

It was a surprise when Delhi Daredevils decided not to retain him, despite last-minute negotiations. 

But it wasn't exactly unexpected that they exercised the option to buy him back. 

Pietersen started with a base price of Rs 2 crore, and, after a tough fight between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab, it was Sunrisers Hyderabad who bought him for Rs 9 crore.

However, Delhi exercised their 'Right to Match' option and got Pietersen in their team for Rs 9 crore.

Virender Sehwag went for Rs 3.20 crore to Kings XI Punjab, as Delhi Daredevils opted not to retain him.

The former India captain had, a day earlier, said he wasn't too perturbed about the auction and keen to play for any side. 

Considering the form he is in, Sehwag got a good deal.

Mitchell Johnson was the final player in the first round of the auction.

He triggered an intense bidding war right from the start between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab and in no time the bid was up to Rs 6.5 crore.

Chennai then backed out as the Punjab franchise got Johnson for Rs 6.5 crore.

If his performance in the Ashes (27 wickets), as also his efforts in Mumbai Indians' title-winning campaign last season (24 wickets), are anything to go by, the pacer is a prized catch for the Kings.

Kolkata Knight Riders used the 'Right to Match' option to get back Jacques Kallis for Rs 5.5 crore.

The South African all-rounder recently quit Test cricket in a bid to prolong his career in the shorter version. 

Kolkata will be banking on him for a good all-round showing.

Delhi Daredevils also bought India Test opener Murali Vijay for Rs 5 crore, but decided not to retain David Warner, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 5.5 crore.

Vijay, who played all the previous seasons for Chennai Super Kings, shone for his home side. 

It remains to be seen how he will adapt to the new set-up.