Riley Meredith - A Journey From A Horrific Over To A Record Pick In IPL Auction

In the recently held IPL auction for the 14th season, Australia's Riley Meredith got picked to play for Punjab Kings in a record deal. 

Punjab looked adamant to buy the Tasmanian-born fast bowler as they started a bidding war with Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore. Meredith's price increased and was finally bought by Punjab for 8 crores to become the fifth most expensive uncapped player in the history of IPL Auctions.

Meredith made his List A and First-Class debut in 2017 and played his maiden Big Bash League(BBL) game in 2019. He came to the public's attention in the first year of BBL itself, but for all the wrong reasons. 

While playing for Hobart Hurricanes against Melbourne Renegades, Meredith bowled an unusual over, or rather a bowl, in which he conceded 17 runs. In one particular delivery, Meredith bowled three no-balls, conceded five wides, and got for two boundaries. He ended up giving 43 runs in three overs in that match. 

It was an embarrassing way to give the first impression to the cricketing audience. However, Riley Meredith has come a long way now has made a respectful name in Australia's domestic leagues. 

So far, he has played 18 first-class games, 19 List A, and has been a regular feature in domestic T20 squads, especially in BBL. In the recently concluded BBL 10, Meredith played 13 matches in which he took 16 wickets at an average of 24.62. 

Riley Meredith is currently named in Australia's T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. His recent exploits in the T20 format have earned him a place in the T20I squad and a huge IPL contract.