The Mohali based team, King X1 Punjab, has bought Sheldon Cottrell to lead their bowling attack in the latest season of IPL. The Jamaican international caught the eyes of franchises due to his variations and fiery bowling spells against India. The player who had set his base price at 50L started a bidding war between Kings X1 Punjab and the Delhi outfit Delhi Capitals. The prolific Windies pacer saw his price rise to 8.50 Crores in the heated bidding war.
Sheldon Cottrell has been one of the most prolific fast bowlers for the Windies in recent times with his wily cutters and consistent new ball bowling. He has consistently maintained lower economies and taken wickets at regular intervals, thereby being the reason for most of the Windies’ recent success with the ball. Moreover, his stint at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots during CPL 2020 must have also contributed to his credibility and brand value, leading up to the IPL 2020 auction. Also, his recent performances against the Indian national team made him the perfect value addition for the Punjab side who struggled with their bowling last season. The player will share the new ball with the rejuvenated Mohd Shami.
Sheldon Cottrell caught the eyes of the spectators with his special celebrations after every wicket. His special salute celebration portrays the Calypso flavor he has and truly depicts the passion he possesses for the game. Here is what he had to say about the salute: “It’s a military-style salute. I’m a soldier by profession. Me saluting is to show my respect to the Jamaica Defence Force,” he told the BBC earlier this year.
“I do it every time I get a wicket. I practiced it for six months when I was training in the army,” he further added.
Sheldon Cottrell to KXIP doesn’t come as too much of a surprise considering their bowling woes last season. Their Indian bowling contingent didn’t deliver, and the inclusion of Cottrell will give them the required balance and aggression both with the new ball in the powerplay and at the death. The Mohali track is particularly suitable for seamers and offers enough movement for Cottrell to be at his lethal best.
