Why he wasn't a player in "auction ring"?

He refused to become a player on whom the auctions will take place
--$1M--$1.1M--$1.2M--$1.3M.............................
He hates this.
Today talking with the students of a school, run by the Vellammal Education Trust in Chennai,he said that "I hope such auctions of cricketers does not take place again".
That is what we call a typical Rahul Dravid.He has self-respect.He avoided to become one of those on whom auctions occurred.He chose to be an icon for Bangalore team.
Now after the end of all auctions in IPL, he spoke out what he hated about.For the true cricket lovers, it really was a shameful incident to watch their favourites being "sold" like the "horses in race course".

Here's the full news (courtesy:The Hindu)

Former captain Rahul Dravid on Saturday expressed reservations over the auctioning of cricketers for the Indian Premier League and hoped it does not happen again.

"I hope it does not happen again," Dravid said in response to a question from a student while interacting with children of five schools, run by the Vellammal Education Trust here.

Dravid's comments followed similar remarks by Tamil Nadu Chief minister M Karunanidhi, who said he does not approve of the auctioning.

"It is not acceptable to me," Karunannidhi, an avid cricket follower, told the media here.

In his interaction with the students on a host of issues, Dravid said that team performance is always rated higher than individual glory.

"It will be the wish of every Indian cricketer to contribute his mite for the team cause," he said.

Spending about four hours in five different schools of the trust, Dravid said teamwork by students would result in better performance in studies and sporting activities.

"It is important that students should be focused in their studies. But sports will help in leadership qualities," he said.