IPL 2022 Auction will be one of the biggest events in the tournament’s history. There have been multiple mega-auctions in the history of IPL. The specialty of mega auction is the teams have to release most of their players. In 2018, BCCI had a unique rules’ set for the mega auction. Teams could retain only maximum three players.
BCCI also had a RTM rule. In this rule, the teams had the RTM cards. They could use the cards to buy their released players back. They would have to match the final bid to buy that player. Keeping IPL 2022 Mega Auction in mind, Mumbai Indians would want to retain their match-winner Kieron Pollard. So, they might not target following five players if they retain Pollard.
1. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is with the Royal Challengers Bangalore right now. The Aussie might return to the IPL 2022 Auction. RCB may go with the trio of Virat Kohli, de Villiers and Padikkal. Hence, Maxwell could earn another big deal at the auction. Maxwell is a similar type of player like Pollard.
Kieron can bat in the middle-order and turn the game with his big-hitting skills. Maxwell also does the same job. Both players can even chip in with a few overs. While MI can form a destructive lineup if they sign Maxwell, it will be better if they use those funds on other departments. Pollard is a reliable option in the middle order.
2. MI might not target Marcus Stoinis in IPL Auction 2022 if they retain Pollard
Another similar type of all-rounder is Marcus Stoinis. The Aussie player is a big-hitter. Like Pollard, he bowls medium pace. Stoinis has done well for DC. But it is unlikely he will be retained ahead of the mega auction.
Stoinis is a talented all-rounder. Many teams will run after him. MI might avoid him because they would have a similar player in the form of Pollard. Both are right-handers as well. So, MI might not target him.
3. Mohammad Nabi
Mohammad Nabi is a part of SRH right now. He has similar batting skills as well. Nabi generally bats in the middle order. He plays the role of finisher. The Afghan player also bowls right-arm off-spin.
While Nabi has one skill different as compared to Pollard, MI might not target because he bats in the similar position. Overseas slots are limited in one squad. MI might focus on batting and bowling sections if they retain Pollard. Also, they might prefer an overseas wicket-keeper.
4. MI might not target Thisara Perera in IPL Auction 2022 if they retain Pollard
Thisara Perera has retired from international cricket. However, he will likely play franchise cricket. Perera has played for MI in the past. He is an ambidextrous player. The Sri Lankan bowls right-handed and bats left-handed.
Perera has much IPL experience under his belt. Also, he hit six sixes in an over recently. But MI might not go for him. The reason being they have a similar player in the form of Pollard. It will be difficult to adjust both Perera and Pollard in the same IPL middle-order.
5. Colin de Grandhomme
Colin de Grandhomme is in the Top 10 of the ICC ODI Rankings for all-rounders. The Kiwi player has played for multiple IPL teams. He can bowl medium pace. Also, he can hit the ball out of the park. Colin has done well in white-ball cricket.
Still, MI might not go for him at IPL Auction 2022. If they have Pollard, it is unlikely they will sign another pace-bowling overseas all-rounder. Colin could possibly play for another franchise. It will be interesting to see what MI does in IPL Auction 2022.
