Bangalore & Punjab's 'fight' for Saurabh Tiwary

The IPL auction saw its first controversy today over the bidding for young left-handed batsman Saurabh Tiwary. Expected to fetch a high price, the talented Jharkhand batsman dubbed the junior Dhoni was almost snapped up by the Royal Challengers, Bangalore for $1.4 million when the hammer went.

The IPL auction saw its first controversy on Saturday over the bidding for young left-handed batsman Saurabh Tiwary. Expected to fetch a high price, the talented Jharkhand batsman dubbed the junior Dhoni was almost snapped up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for $1.4 million when the hammer went.

However, auctioneer Richard Madeley did not declare him sold as Kings XI Punjab had raised their bid at the very last second. Madeley admitted the bid for $1.4 million from Punjab had come very late, but allowed it to stand.

RCB owner Vijay Mallya protested the decision and his son Siddhartha Mallya walked upto Kings XI co-owner Priety Zinta and company to protest. Eventually RCB purchased the player for $1.6 million after Punjab declined to push further.

The 21-year-old had played for Mumbai Indians in last year's IPL.

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