IPL 2022 Auction: One Player Each Franchise Might Find Difficult to Retain

IPL 2022 Auction: The beauty of the IPL Mega Auction is we get to see new players at new franchises. It encourages even greater strategy and adds a different dimension to the IPL as each team will have a newer feel to it.

But, with the addition of new players comes the desire to keep some from the previous season. As each franchise only has a maximum of four they can retain before the auction, we will be sure to see teams trying their utmost to purchase back players whom they couldn’t or didn’t originally retain.

However, competition will be rife, and it will make for riveting viewing. If a particular franchise feels a certain player is definitely worth buying back, at least one other will feel they are worth purchasing.

All eight teams will have challenges retaining some of their top performers. We will list one such player from each franchise whom rivals will pursue with interest. Check the IPL match result and updates here.

Which players will be most difficult to retain in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction?

1. Chennai Super Kings: Faf du Plessis

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had to make the difficult decision to keep Faf du Plessis out of their original retention list. The South African was absolutely outstanding in IPL 2021, smashing 633 runs at an average of 45.21 and a strike rate of 138.20. There is no doubt he will be one of the most sought-after openers in the auction.

With the minimum 48 crores available in CSK’s purse after four retentions, it will be quite the achievement if du Plessis ends up at the yellow army this season. If he does, one feels it will take out a big chunk of CSK’s remaining budget, and given that CSK prides itself on its depth and balance, it is difficult to see them retaining the classy opener for IPL 2022.

2. Delhi Capitals: Shreyas Iyer

Just two seasons ago, Shreyas Iyer was Delhi Capitals’ (DC) captain and one of their main players. Then, after his injury in the first half of IPL 2021, DC decided to keep Rishabh Pant as the permanent captain.

Fast forward to the 2022 season, and Iyer is on the auction list. Various teams will not only be after for the capable batsman that Shreyas is, but also as a potential captaincy option.

Teams such as Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are after a new captain, with Shreyas a leading target. DC will likely have to pay a huge sum to retain their former captain, and it will be interesting to see which franchise lands his services. Read our daily free cricket tips and tricks on how to bet smartly.

3. Kolkata Knight Riders: Lockie Ferguson

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) retained Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, and Varun Chakravarthy, leaving them with 48 crores to play with the Mega Auction.

Lockie Ferguson played a key role in KKR’s revival in 2021, and one feels that a few teams could target the Kiwi pacer. His pace adds an extra dimension, and more importantly, he takes on the responsibility of bowling in the crunch powerplay and death overs.

4. Mumbai Indians: Ishan Kishan

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have also made four retentions. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah were to be expected, but they decided to retain Suryakumar Yadav and Kieron Pollard ahead of Ishan Kishan.

As a player who dons the gloves and strikes above 155 when opening the batting in the IPL, there is little doubt that Ishan will be one of the more popular options. As a result, he is likely to go for a hefty sum, so MI will need to plan well if they intend on retaining Kishan for the 2022 season.

5. Punjab Kings: Mohammed Shami

Another season, another set of questions for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Arguably the IPL’s biggest underachievers, the Kings will be aiming to overcome their terrible record of just two playoffs appearances in 14 years.

To do that, they will need to be smart in their planning and execution at the auction table. KL Rahul is no longer at the franchise, and with just the two retentions (Mayank Agarwal and Arshdeep Singh), PBKS have a huge budget to splash.

However, keeping Mohammed Shami will be a challenge. A number of teams, including KKR and RCB, will be on the lookout for good domestic pace-bowling options. Shami fits the bill as an experienced option and genuine wicket-taker.

6. Rajasthan Royals: Mustafizur Rahman

In one of the more smart purchases, Rajasthan Royals purchased Mustafizur Rahman for his base price of 1 crore in 2021. Mustafizur went on to take 14 wickets at an economy rate below 8.50 – respectable given he features prominently at the death.

Also, the Fizz was central to Bangladesh’s historic series wins at home to Australia and Bangladesh last year. While the pitches in Maharashtra will likely be good for batting in the early parts of the tournament, they could slow down considerably as the tournament progresses.

Such conditions bring Mustafizur into the game, and a number of teams could be after an asset they may get at a reasonable price.

7. Royal Challengers Bangalore: Harshal Patel

It will be a fresh start for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Virat Kohli is no longer captain and the great AB de Villiers has retired. Glenn Maxwell will have a key role once again, and the franchise has thrown its faith behind the impressive Mohammed Siraj.

As a result, RCB didn’t retain Harshal Patel. The reigning Purple Cap winner, who took the most wickets of any Indian bowler in a single IPL season (32), is sure to garner plenty of interest at the auction.

If you can bowl well at the death, it will land you big bucks once the hammer lands. Harshal’s slower ball is to die for and a number of franchises will want to have that asset in their XI for the upcoming season.

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad: Jonny Bairstow

It was the season from hell for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021. Usually one of the tournament’s most consistent teams, Sunrisers hit the self-destruct button both during and after IPL 2021.

During this, they froze David Warner out, eventually releasing one of the IPL’s greatest ever batsmen. After, they failed to retain Rashid Khan after choosing Kane Williamson as their number one retention.

Hyderabad needs a good auction to inspire confidence among its fans. One player they may look to target is Jonny Bairstow, who remains one of world cricket’s most destructive white-ball players.

However, most other teams are after a proven white-ball opener. If Hyderabad ends up retaining Bairstow, they will likely have paid a significant fee, which will require them to be composed at the auction table.

An interesting auction awaits. Twitter will be in overdrive. Each team will have their pick of players they will want to keep for 2022, but sheer competition and varying budgets may render those desires unrealistic, particularly for these eight players.
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