Subroto's Sahara seeks Sachin

The markers have been laid down for the next player auction. Subroto Roy, whose Sahara group has just won the rights to the Pune franchise, has said he would like Sachin Tendulkar to captain his team - “if he is available.” You wouldn’t expect the qualification from someone who’s used to getting what he wants but in this case, of course, Roy is up against Mukesh Ambani, only the world’s fourth-richest man. There will be other battles – Kochi vs Punjab for Sreesanth (or maybe not!) – but the battle to sign up SRT will spice up what already looks like an intriguing auction. Just as well, then, that the salary cap has been raised to $7 million.