After the IPL franchises revealed their retained players in November, we witnessed some big games making their way into the mega auction that will be held in 2022.
KL Rahul, David Warner, Rashid Khan, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, etc were some of the big names that teams will be targeting this term. So let's glance through the recent developments regarding IPL 2022.
The two new franchises Lucknow and Ahmedabad are also handed an option to have three players each (maximum one overseas) from the auction lost before the auction.
Pertaining to that, we've already seen rumors related to some players already in talks with the newly introduced franchises. Let's have a look at the big names that will be in the mega auction this time.
Starting with KL Rahul, it was earlier reported that KL Rahul would be returning to RCB after two fabulous performances for Punjab Kings in recent years.
However, reports now suggest that he is the prime contender to lead the new Lucknow franchise owned by the RPSG group. It is said that the player already acquired by the Lucknow franchise is awaiting BCCI's green signal to make the announcement.
KL Rahul will represent _______ franchise in IPL 2022.#IPLAuction #IPL2022 #KLRahul pic.twitter.com/km6wS2iH7a
— Indian Cricket Team (@IndianCricNews) November 30, 2021
Also, Gautam Gambhir has been announced as the mentor of the Lucknow franchise a week after the IPL team declared Andy Flower as their head coach. Lucknow is already planning big!
Rashid Khan parted ways with Sunrisers Hyderabad after such a long time and the reason is reported to be his disappointment over the fact that he wasn't made the highest-paid player in the squad.
Sunrisers chose Kane Williamson over him as their first-choice retention and that's why Rashid chose to leave. He is another player lined up for Lucknow but owing to his financial demands, we may see him in the Ahmedabad-based franchise too.
Hardik Pandya dissociated with Mumbai Indians, a team that gave him the platform in 2014 as he wasn't retained by the side. However, it now seems that Pandya may likely be leaning towards the Ahmedabad dugout as his home side, considering his Baroda connection.
David Warner is another big star who was let down by Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, his leaving was quite evident because of the way he was treated by the SRH management towards the end of the 2021 IPL season. Warner is a player who will be under the radar of a lot of teams.
Shreyas Iyer didn't want to be Delhi's third or fourth-choice retention and hence, he chose to part ways with the franchise. Iyer has been exceptional since his return from a long-term injury and he also possesses great leadership skills. Will he be the probable leader of the Ahmedabad-based franchise? You never know!
It was quite surprising to see that Dhawan wasn't retained by the Delhi Capitals side. However, Dhawan is known to be a player who makes an impact wherever he goes and it will be intriguing to see which teams go big for him.
Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas had been exceptional for his last franchise but he lost by fine margins to his compatriot Anrich Nortje who got the nod to be retained by DC. Where do you see Rabada going next season?
Jofra Archer was extremely solid whenever he featured for Rajasthan Royals but injuries often came in his path. Considering he's focused on making a strong return to regular cricket, it would be intriguing to see who lands him into their squad.
Ben Stokes is another Englishman who was out from the sport citing personal reasons, Ben Stokes is back and is already turning out to be a crucial inclusion in the England Ashes squad. Another megastar who could blow up the mega auction.
Ishan Kishan, the Mumbai youngster was very unfortunate to have been left out but it is said that he may be bought again. However, if we don't see that happening, where would you want him to go to ensure a better game time than Mumbai?
Shubman Gill, another prospect, we are yet to see Gill's full potential but there are no doubts about the presence of his exceptional capabilities. Either of the two franchises could go for the young opener, or maybe any other team that wants a future face for the franchise.
The future of Yuzvendra Chahal and Quinton de Kock are also uncertain and we are very excited to see if Chahal's wish of playing under MS Dhoni in the IPL comes true.
Stay tuned with Cricwizz for more updates.
