Pune Warriors to spend $400,000 to buy Richard Levi

South African opener Richard Levi who stormed into the record books with his fastest T20 ton the other day is learnt to have been at the top of the Pune Warriors wishlist. “The Pune Warriors are understood to have made a bid around US $400,000 for the 24-year-old’s services,” reported the New Zealand Herald. Levi is currently in New Zealand to play the 3 match T20 series against the home team.

Levi, however, was ignored at the IPL auction this year despite having a low base price of $50,000. Pune Warriors, who are allowed to buy unsold players, have now shown interest to buy Levi at a price which is eight times of his original base price.

A fearsome striker of the new ball, Levi was relatively unknown till he scored 117 not out of just 51 balls against New Zealand at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on 19th February. The Cape Cobra opener also broke the record of fastest T20 century which was previously held by Chris Gayle. Levi smashed the century in just 45 balls.

The innings included 13 sixes which is also a new world record. Levi has emerged as a new T20 sensation and the Sahara owned IPL team is keen to hire Levi’s services.

A successful opener in South Africa’s domestic circuit, Levi has an impressive strike rate of 150.26 in Twenty20 (including domestic matches) games and average of 33.72. He was part of the South African team in the U-19 World Cup in 2006. Levi currently plays for Western Province and Cape Cobras.

The 24 year old right hander has earned words of praise from many premier T20 batsmen. Chris Gayle expects bigger innings from him in the future. “Hopefully he can go from strength to strength and have bigger and better innings in the future. He will have a lot on his shoulders now. The expectations on him will be high and hopefully it is something he can grasp quickly and I’m sure he will continue to excel,” Gayle added.

Brendon McCullum, another big hitting batsman, had similar thoughts on the Levi phenomenon. ”That innings was one of the few when you get to see someone in full cry. If he can replicate that consistently over the course of his career I’m sure he’s going to be pretty well sought after.”

If  the Pune-Levi deal materialises, the Warriors will possess a very strong opening pair in Jesse Ryder and Richard Levi which will definitely be a treat to watch for Indian spectators.