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Sumit Nagal Becomes Most Expensive Player At Tennis Premier League Season-5 Auction
Sumit Nagal, who is the current All-India Tennis Association (AITA) No. 1 men’s singles player was brought into the league ahead of Season 5 of the TPL as the marquee player and was the most expensive pick at the auction. Despite stiff competition from other franchises for the signature of India’s star tennis player, he was picked up by Ramku Patgir-owned Gujarat Panthers for Rs 18.5 lakh, thanks to decisive bidding by the Panthers’ celebrity ambassador, Arjun Kapoor. Additionally, the Gujarat Panthers picked up Karman Kaur Thandi for Rs 8.5 lakh, who has three singles ITF titles to her name. The Panthers also added Mukund Sasikumar to their roster as they showed a knack for savvy business by picking up the up-and-coming Indian player.
Defending champions Hyderabad Strikers backed by the graceful Rakul Preet Singh showed a great nous at the auction as they came into the bidding event with a clear plan. The most expensive pick-up for the ENN Sport-owned franchise was Ellen Perez at Rs 14 lakh. Perez has won five doubles titles on the WTA Tour, two doubles titles on the WTA Challenger Tour, as well as two singles and 19 doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. The Australian player will bring a wealth of experience and talent to the Hyderabad team, who will be looking for their third consecutive TPL title. They were successfully able to retain the services of Nikki Poonacha, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success last season. The Strikers’ roster was complete when they brought Saketh Myneni, who was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2017 and represents India in the Davis Cup.
