3 Players Lucknow franchise should look to sign before IPL 2022 auction
Despite the existing franchises retaining a sizeable chunk of the players – 27 in total – there is a significant pool of prominent stars remaining for the two new franchises to rope in before even entering the mega auction for IPL 2022.
One of those franchises, based in Lucknow, still have a great opportunity to enter the mega auction with strong enough individuals to build their team around.
The Lucknow franchise, bought by Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG group for a whopping sum of INR 7,900 crores, is expected to be based at the Ekana stadium in Lucknow for what will be an expanded 10-team IPL 2022.
Judiciously going through the signing process before the auction could give Lucknow a strong foothold before the mega auction and also lay a foundation from where they can pile on a squad capable of winning the trophy.
Also Read – IPL 2022 Retentions: Complete List Of All Players Retained And Released By Existing 8 Teams
Which players would the Lucknow franchise sign before the mega auction for IPL 2022?
Who should Lucknow franchise look to sign before IPL 2022?
The key is to identify right players and try and plug a few areas of their game, as existing sides have done prior to the IPL 2022 by retaining upto four cricketers in their line-up. Unlike them, the Lucknow side doesn’t have a core group to keep intact. But they can make up for it via some good signings before the auction. Here are three players they must definitely show interest in, with the caveat that the new franchises can sign a maximum of two Indians and one overseas cricketer.
1. KL Rahul
Deciding to part ways with Punjab Kings (PBKS), their skipper and experienced opener KL Rahul has become a free agent. Rahul, of course, is expected to go big at the mega auction because of his incredible form and class with the bat.
But if the Lucknow franchise can tease him and get him on board at an agreeable sum, he can serve them well for a long time as captain and batter. Since the start of IPL 2019, Rahul has made a whopping 1,889 runs from 41 games at an average of 57.24 and strike-rate of 134.25.
2. Rashid Khan
Another hot property, Rashid Khan decided to cut his ties with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and enter the market. The Afghanistan wristspinner is one of the finest limited-overs bowlers doing the rounds. His IPL record is a testament to his class. Rashid has picked up 93 wickets from his 76 matches in the league at an astonishing economy rate of just 6.33. Rashid was a four-over bank for SRH and is expected to be for his new team as well.
3. Hardik Pandya
Chances are high that Mumbai Indians (MI) will try and bid Hardik Pandya back at the mega auction. But Lucknow can take that option away from them if they can make Pandya agree to come on board at a sizeable enough sum. The Indian allrounder lost his mojo this year because of injuries and struggles with the bat. But there is little doubt over the value that Hardik brings to the table when he is at his absolute best. He can blast the opposition attacks with his end-overs hitting and provide useful overs as the sixth bowling option.