The mega auction of the 2022 edition of IPL is around the corner with the addition of two new franchises-Lucknow and Ahmedabad. The RSPG group bagged the Lucknow based franchise for INR 7000 crore. The eight original teams have already named their retention list ahead of the mega auctions.
With the mega auctions scheduled to take place somewhere between January and February, the teams are lining up with their preferences.
Here’s a list of top 5 players who are likely to be targeted by the Uttar Pradesh based franchise.
- KL Rahul
If media reports are to be believed, KL Rahul is the leading contender to become the skipper of the Uttar Pradesh based franchise. It is rumoured that the Lucknow franchise are in contact’s with the 29 year old opener. Even PBKS coach Anil Kumble revealed that KL Rahul has informed his team that he wants to leave PBKS.
Over the past few years, Rahul has proved his mettle in the Indian Premier League while playing for Punjab Kings. In the 2021 edition of IPL, Rahul was the third highest run getter in the league. He scored 626 runs in 13 games for his team.
- Rashid Khan
The young Afghan spinner is reportedly in contacts with the Lucknow franchise. Rashid Khan left SRH as he wasn’t their number 1 pick. SRH picked skipper Kane Williamson as their Number 1 player in the retention list.
Rashid Khan has proved to be one of the best mystery spinners in the league. So far, he has managed to pick up 93 wickets at an average of 20.56.
- Ben Stokes
Stokes has been released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2022 mega auctions. This might be the perfect opportunity to grab the services of the 30 year old bowling all rounder. Stokes has previously worked with the same owner during his time at Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016 and 2017.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
SunRisers Hyderabad have released the 31 year old fast bowler ahead of the mega auctions. Kumar is prone to injuries and is getting old at the same time. But at the same time the right hand medium pacer has years of experience in the shortest format of the game and has represented India in a number of occasions in the past. Bhuvi could be a perfect fit for the Lucknow franchise and would be the best player to lead the pace attack.
- Suresh Raina
The 35 year old batsmen could be the best player Lucknow can add to their squad. Raina is one of the greatest players from Uttar Pradesh to have ever played for Team India. The home conditions will also help Raina to get back to form.
Raina is the perfect candidate to be added in the middle order after being released by his old franchise Chennai Super Kings.