Kozhikode, June 9 (H.S.): In the auction for Season 4 of the Prime Volleyball League (PVL), Jerome Vinith C, Shameemudheen, and Vineet Kumar made headlines as they were bought for ₹22.5 lakh each in the platinum category. Jerome Vinit joined Chennai Blitz, Shamimuddin went to Calicut Heroes, and Vineet Kumar was added to Kochi Blue Spikers. A total of 789 players were auctioned, with 10 franchises spending over ₹6 crore. Franchises had the option to retain players or let them enter the auction, and foreign player selection was conducted via draft.

Chennai Blitz made several acquisitions, adding M. Ashwin Raj, Aditya Rana, and Sameer Chaudhary for ₹8 lakh, Nanjil Surya for ₹5.75 lakh, T. Srikanth for ₹6.5 lakh, Tarun Gouda for ₹4.25 lakh, and both Kaila Vishnu Vardhan Babu and Namith MN for ₹3 lakh each. Calicut Heroes focused on balance, acquiring Santosh S for ₹11.5 lakh, Mohanukkrapandian for ₹8 lakh, and Abdul Rahim and Mukesh Kumar for ₹4 lakh each, among others.

Kochi Blue Spikers displayed aggression, securing Jasjod Singh for ₹14.75 lakh, Amalke Thomas for ₹6.5 lakh, and additional players for ₹3 lakh each. Ahmedabad Defenders bolstered their lineup by buying Sean T John for ₹11.5 lakh, Angamuthu for ₹11 lakh, and Akhin GS for ₹10.25 lakh. Bengaluru Torpedoes made impactful final bids, acquiring Jishnu PV for ₹14 lakh and others for lower amounts.

Delhi Storm focused on high-profile players like Mohammad Jasim for ₹11 lakh, while Hyderabad Black Hawks made a splash with Shikhar Singh for ₹16 lakh. Kolkata Thunderbolts formed a solid team, signing key players for various amounts. Mumbai Meteors balanced their roster with multiple mid-range purchases. Goa Guardians opted for strategic buys to round out their team.

The auction reflected the growing popularity of volleyball in India, showcasing a vibrant competition as franchises eagerly sought talent.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar