IPL 2021 got suspended midway because of COVID-19. There were multiple cases in the bio-bubble. As a result, BCCI has decided to conduct remaining matches later. In this brief break, the fans are looking forward to IPL 2022 Mega Auction also. Many would know that a mega auction is very different.
In mini auctions, the teams retained many players. However, in mega auctions, there is a retention limit. In 2018, teams had permission to retain only three players. Hence, some big names got released. The same could happen this year, with the following being the possible ones.
1. Chennai Super Kings could release DJ Bravo before IPL 2022 Mega Auction
DJ Bravo is one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket. He is a player who change the game with his batting and bowling. Bravo is a former Purple Cap winner. However, he will soon turn 38. He is fit, but CSK rested him often in IPL 2021 to ensure he was fit.
CSK have many younger options in the squad. Also, if three players are allowed to be retained, Bravo might return to the auction pool. Bravo has been an integral part of CSK. So, the franchise could even buy him back. In IPL 2021, he took three wickets in four games.
2. Delhi Capitals – Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw was in the form of his life in IPL 2021. He middled the ball to perfection. He dominated almost every bowler. Also, Shaw achieved the feat of hitting six fours in one over. He was one of the leading run-scorers in the first half.
However, DC might have to release him. The reason behind it is the retention rule. If 3 players are allowed, then DC may not retain Shaw. They will likely go with Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant. And, the third option would likely be Shikhar Dhawan or Kagiso Rabada.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders – Eoin Morgan
Kolkata Knight Riders will have to make lots of discussions before IPL 2022 Mega Auction. In 2018, only two overseas players were allowed to be retained. So, KKR had gone with Russell and Narine then. The same could happen in 2022. Especially, because Morgan did not perform up to the mark.
The southpaw is the captain of KKR. He is one of the most explosive batters. But he did not fire all cylinders in IPL 2021. Perhaps, KKR may give him one more chance. The chances of them releasing and then buying him back are high.
4. Mumbai Indians might release Ishan Kishan before IPL 2022 Mega Auction
Ishan Kishan is one of the best talents in India right now. He made an excellent debut in T20Is. However, the retention rule may bring him back to the auction pool. Kishan was MI’s best batter in IPL 2020. However, he was dropped in 2021.
Even if MI wish to back Kishan, they might not be able to do so because they have many options. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are automatic retentions. Suryakumar Yadav is another strong candidate. Also in the race are Quinton de Kock, Trent Boult, Kieron Pollard and the Pandya Brothers. So, Kishan might be back in the auction.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad – David Warner
David Warner has been the heartbeat of SRH in IPL. He is a former Orange Cap winner. He led SRH to the trophy in IPL 2016. Still, they sacked him after a few bad performances. Warner was dropped in the team’s seventh match of IPL 2021.
This could seemingly be a hint that Warner could be released. Warner is one of the best batters right now. He can single-handedly win matches for the team. It will be a huge loss for SRH if they release him. However, it seems very likely now.
6. Rajasthan Royals might release Ben Stokes before IPL 2022 Mega Auction
Ben Stokes is one of the best all-rounders in cricket right now. He is an ambidextrous player. Stokes can turn the game with his all-round skills. He can score heaps of runs. Or else, he can contribute with bowling or fielding.
But Stokes has not been at his best for RR. In last four seasons, he has been a little inconsistent. With Jofra Archer, Chris Morris and Jos Buttler there in the squad, Stokes could return to the auction. Also, Stokes’ role was seemingly a bit unclear at RR. So, maybe even he can benefit by moving to the other team.
7. Punjab Kings – Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle has been one of the few bright spots for Punjab Kings in IPL. He has supported skipper KL Rahul well. Gayle played well in the top order of the Punjab Kings team. Gayle scored some big scores last year. This season, he scored 178 runs in eight matches.
The left-handed batter could be an asset for any franchise. Unfortunately, Punjab Kings may release him because they have KL Rahul in the squad. Mohammed Shami is another option. Mayank Agarwal could be the third pick. Also, Gayle’s age may prompt Punjab to release him and buy him back later.
8. Royal Challengers Bangalore – Yuzvendra Chahal
Royal Challengers Bangalore will also face a dilemma before IPL Mega Auction 2022. They have Virat Kohli in the squad. AB de Villiers is also present. The third player will be crucial. It could be Glenn Maxwell or Devdutt Padikkal.
Even Washington Sundar is an option. Yuzvendra Chahal is the team’s leading wicket-taker. However, he might return to the auction pool in 2022. The reason behind is RCB have many options to pick. They may look to buy Chahal via RTM in the auction.
