Right corner defender Mohit Chhillar became Pro Kabaddi League's (PKL) costliest-ever buy, with Bengaluru Bulls purchasing him for INR 53 lakhs at the auction ahead of the fourth season, in Mumbai on Friday. Sandeep Narwal became the second-highest buy, with Telegu Titans signing him for INR 45.5 lakhs.
Chhillar, who works as a clerk in North Western Railways, was bid for INR 5.75 lakh at the first players' auction, in 2014. "I'm very happy. This was totally unexpected," he said. Chhillar turned out for U Mumba last season. Before Chhillar, Iran's Hadi Oshtorak had been bought by Titans for INR 21.1 lakh in 2015.
"Mohit is not the best player the league has and the bid was quite unexpected. Auctions, though, tend to have a mind of their own. They always take you by surprise," Charu Sharma, PKL director, told ESPN.in.
Going into the 2016 auction, all eight teams were allowed to retain two players each from the previous season. The fourth season of the PKL, scheduled from June 25 to July 31, will be held less than four months after the completion of the previous edition.