Akash Ambani joins RCB table at IPL auction, congratulates management after Mumbai Indians secure Will Jacks

Jacks was the subject of a fierce bidding war between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, ultimately being sold to MI for a whopping 5.25 crore after intense negotiations. Many fans had expected him to be retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore due to his stellar performances in the previous season, but were left shocked when RCB decided not to use their Right-To-Match (RTM) card on him. Adding to the surprise, MI owner Akash Ambani even went over to the RCB table to shake hands with their management and ownership, further adding to speculation about the behind-the-scenes deals in the IPL auctions.

Cricket fans on social media were in disbelief at the scenes, wondering why there were hands shaken following the sale, leading to all kinds of social media speculation.

This would not be the first time that RCB and Mumbai have been involved in a unique sort of IPL deal, with the two teams involved in the trade carousel that saw Hardik Pandya rejoin Mumbai, Cameron Green move to Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans receive a boost in cap space.

RCB look to be set in the top order with Virat Kohli opening alongside Phil Salt, who was part of the IPL-winning squad with Kolkata Knight Riders. They also gained the services of Tim David, formerly with MI, as well as first-time IPL player Jacob Bethell, further adding to their middle order firepower with Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone already having been present from the first day of the auction.

Meanwhile, Jacks seems to be the solution for the opener spot question mark at Mumbai Indians, where he will bat alongside Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, supported by the phenomenal middle order Indian talent.

Jacks had a strong showing in his debut IPL season, scoring 230 runs in just eight matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 175, including a century as RCB scripted their historic come-from-behind run to the playoffs.