During the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar sparked a wave of nostalgia and admiration by claiming that former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer would have easily fetched a whopping ₹27 crore if he were part of today’s IPL auctions.
Gavaskar drew this parallel by referencing Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking auction bid, where the Lucknow Super Giants secured him for ₹27 crore during the IPL 2024 mega auction. Reflecting on the value of skilled wicketkeepers with explosive batting talent, Gavaskar confidently stated that Engineer, with his dynamic skills and charisma, would have commanded a similar price tag in the current cricketing climate.
The Talent of Farokh Engineer
Farokh Engineer, who represented India from 1961 to 1975, was known for his remarkable wicketkeeping abilities and attacking style of play with the bat—traits that were ahead of his time. In an era where wicketkeepers were expected to be primarily behind-the-stumps specialists, Engineer brought flair, aggression, and a level of showmanship that made him stand out.
Gavaskar, who played alongside Engineer in his early days, emphasized how Engineer’s skill set perfectly fits the mold of what modern T20 franchises look for: versatility, reliability behind the stumps, and power-hitting prowess. In today’s fast-paced IPL format, where all-round contributions are highly valued, Gavaskar believes Engineer would have been a marquee player and a crowd-puller.
A Fitting Tribute and Legacy
Gavaskar’s praise came on a day already dedicated to honouring Farokh Engineer. Lancashire County Cricket Club paid tribute to Engineer by naming a stand after him at the iconic Old Trafford ground, along with another stand named after West Indies great Clive Lloyd.
This recognition is a testament to Engineer’s contribution to both Indian and English cricket, particularly through his county stint with Lancashire. Gavaskar’s IPL valuation remark not only celebrated Engineer’s cricketing excellence but also bridged the generational gap between players of the past and today’s stars.
It highlighted how timeless talent, even from decades ago, would still shine—and perhaps thrive—even in the modern, commercialised game of cricket. Through his words, Gavaskar reminded fans that the legends of yesteryears like Farokh Engineer paved the way for today’s cricketers and would have been stars in any era.
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