In a tale that perfectly captures the whirlwind nature of modern cricket, Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis has revealed he was sound asleep in Perth while his professional fate was being decided in a multi-million dollar bidding war on the other side of the world.
The Slumber That Preceded a Life-Changing Payday
The drama unfolded during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, where franchises fiercely compete for the world's best talent. Inglis, a key player for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, had entered the auction with a base price of just $300,000. What followed was a classic auction battle between two powerhouse teams.
As the sun rose over Western Australia, Inglis remained blissfully unaware. The Lucknow Super Giants and the Gujarat Titans went head-to-head, driving his price up in rapid increments. The digital paddles flew until the hammer finally came down, with Lucknow securing his services for a staggering $1.5 million – five times his starting value.
"I was actually asleep during the auction," Inglis confessed with a laugh, speaking to reporters. "I woke up, checked my phone, and had a bunch of messages saying 'congratulations'. I had to go online and check if it was actually real."
From Perth Scorchers to IPL Super Giant
The monumental contract represents a career-defining moment for the 28-year-old. His impressive performances for Australia, particularly in T20 cricket, and his consistent run-scoring for the Perth Scorchers clearly caught the keen eyes of IPL scouts. Joining the Lucknow Super Giants places him alongside some of the game's biggest stars, offering an unparalleled opportunity to develop his skills on the world's most watched domestic cricket stage.
Inglis's story is not just about a lucky sleep-in; it's a testament to his hard work. His explosive batting and agile work behind the stumps have made him one of Australia's most exciting white-ball players. This IPL deal is a just reward for that dedication, though the method of finding out was unusually relaxed.
What This Means for Inglis and Australian Cricket
The financial windfall is life-changing, but the experience may prove even more valuable. The IPL is renowned as a high-pressure finishing school for the best T20 talent. Rubbing shoulders with and competing against international legends week-in, week-out will undoubtedly sharpen his game.
This benefits the Australian national team as well. A more confident, battle-hardened Inglis returning from the IPL strengthens the country's depth in the lead-up to major global tournaments. His success also highlights the pathway from the Big Bash League to the richest tournament in cricket, inspiring the next generation of Scorchers and beyond.
For now, Josh Inglis can reflect on a remarkable day where his world changed while he was tucked up in bed. As he prepares to trade the orange of the Scorchers for the blue and orange of Lucknow, one thing is certain: he'll be wide awake for his first IPL match.
