All-rounders are an important part of a T20 XI. They render balance to the unit and ensure that there is depth in both departments. While India has great spin-bowling all-rounders, there are only very few medium-pace bowling all-rounders. Hence, IPL franchises will have to depend on overseas stars to fill this role. There are also some quality spin-bowling foreign all-rounders who can be considered for retention. In this article, we take a look at three overseas all-rounders who could get retained ahead of IPL 2022 by their respective franchises.
1) Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard is one of the overseas all-rounders who could get retained ahead of IPL 2022 by their respective franchises. Mumbai Indians are known to back its players, and with them likely to have an option of retaining one or two overseas cricketers, the West Indian will top the pile of choices.
The Man of the Match in the IPL 2013 final, Pollard has been extremely consistent in recent years. He has contributed with more than 200 runs in the previous three campaigns and has filled in with a few overs when needed. In Rohit Sharma’s absence, he has also led the unit. If released to the auctions, Mumbai might struggle to get him back. The other teams, especially the new franchises, will be eyeing him. Hence, Mumbai could retain the West Indian skipper.
2) Andre Russell
The Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2019, Andre Russell‘s form has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Nevertheless, he is an elite cricketer and when the tournament returns to India, he is likely to return back to form.
A player like Andre Russell is invaluable in a T20 XI. Kolkata Knight Riders will look to have an established middle-order from next season, so that Russell can be fearless. Of course, with the ball, he has anyways been useful of late. These factors could prompt KKR into retaining him.
3) Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell was a revelation for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021. Despite coming into the tournament with a bad recent reputation, Maxi turned the tables with a few astonishing performances. Both Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were not in great form, and yet, RCB managed to win games, mainly because of the Aussie’s brilliance of 513 runs at an average of 42.75.
With ABD likely to retire within the next few years, RCB might retain Maxwell, who is a hot property at the moment. He might be ungettable if released to the auctions. Therefore, the Bengaluru-based unit could retain him before IPL 2022 auctions.
