Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris will play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in next year’s Indian Premier League.

Morris was purchased by the Bangalore franchise for INR 10 crore (approximately R20 million) at Thursday’s player auction in Kolkata.

The Royal Challengers outbid the Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians for Morris.

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The hard-hitting batsman and right-arm seamer played for the Delhi Daredevils in the 2019 IPL. He represented the Chennai Super Kings in previous years.

The 32-year-old Morris played for the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in the recent Mzansi Super League in South Africa. He will represent the Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League later this year.

The Royal Challengers also recruited Australian batsman Aaron Finch on Thursday.

‘From a Finch point of view, he brings a lot of experience to the group. It’s not about a second captain, but he adds presence to that leadership group as an overseas player. There’s a lot of talent in the squad, and Finch, as someone with a lot of experience, brings a lot to the group,’ said Bangalore coach Mike Hesson.

Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen and all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, meanwhile, went unsold. Batsman David Miller moved from the Kings XI Punjab to the Rajasthan Royals, while fast bowler Dale Steyn stayed with the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Photo: SPORTZPICS for BCCI