Abu Dhabi, Nov 25 (Reporter) Australian allrounder Marcus Stoinis, currently showcasing his prowess in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, received a delightful surprise as the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auctions unfolded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Moments before stepping onto the field for the Deccan Gladiators against defending champions New York Strikers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Stoinis learned of his acquisition by Punjab Kings for a staggering ₹11 crore. "I fortunately just got to see [the auction result] as I was going on to the field," Stoinis said after the match, where the Gladiators thrashed the Strikers by 68 runs. “IPL Auctions are always chaos. As a player, you never know where you’ll end up. I’m very lucky to join Punjab Kings under Head Coach Ricky Ponting. That is super exciting. I haven’t checked my phone or spoken to anyone yet, but I couldn’t be happier,” he added. Stoinis has been pivotal for the Gladiators in the ongoing T10 season, contributing with both bat and ball. His unbeaten 42 off 16 balls earlier in the tournament highlighted his form, complemented by crucial partnerships with fellow heavy-hitters Jos Buttler, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rilee Rossouw, and Nicholas Pooran. The Gladiators, bolstered by a deep batting line-up, have maintained a 100% win record in their first four matches. "It’s been a tough start with four games in four days, but we couldn’t have asked for anything better than these four wins. Some teams are calling us the ‘Harlem Globetrotters’ of T10. We’re playing as a unit, batting well, and our bowlers were outstanding tonight. That’s as good as you can bowl in T10 cricket." On Sunday, the Gladiators’ bowlers delivered a remarkable performance, restricting the Strikers to a mere 60/7. Luke Wood claimed three wickets, while Richard Gleeson and Ibrar Ahmed maintained economical spells. Stoinis lauded the effort, describing it as the best bowling he has seen in the format. "Our bowlers were brilliant tonight," he remarked. "Gleeson with the new ball taking early wickets changed the game, and Theekshana bowled beautifully. Young Ibrar stood up, and Luke Wood was exceptional. It’s probably the best bowling I’ve seen in T10 cricket." As an allrounder, Stoinis believes his dual role enhances his understanding of the opposition in shorter formats. "I’m prepared to bowl anytime," he said. "With the bat, it depends on the situation. In this format, you pick your bowler, take a couple of balls, and then every delivery has to go to the boundary. It’s an advantage to think like both a batter and a bowler." With four wins under their belt and players firing on all cylinders, the Deccan Gladiators are firm favourites to secure their third title. Stoinis, meanwhile, looks forward to reuniting with Ricky Ponting in the IPL while continuing his stellar run in the T10 league...////...