IPL 2022 Mega Auction is one of the most anticipated events in the history of Indian cricket. All Indian Premier League fans are excited to see which players end up joining their favorite franchises and which of their favorite players will return to the auction pool. According to reports, the BCCI will only allow the teams to retain a maximum of three to five players before the IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
According to the latest report by Cricbuzz, the new teams will be able to select players before the auction as well. Here’s what the report states: “Sources within the BCCI and the franchises have indicated that the two teams will be able to pick a few players among those who have enrolled themselves into the auction. The number of ‘special picks’ has not been decided yet, but it is understood to be two or three.” In this article today, we will look at the five players who could be picked by the two new teams before the IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
1. KL Rahul could receive a contract from new teams before IPL 2022 Mega Auction
One of the most shocking reports to emerge after the IPL 2021 season was about KL Rahul. As per Cricbuzz, Rahul is likely to part ways with his current franchise, Punjab Kings, before the next season. The Punjab Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2020 and 2021 under Rahul’s captaincy.
Still, both new teams may see him as a captaincy option because he has got the experience. Also, the right-handed batter can destroy any bowling unit in the world. In IPL 2020, he won the Orange Cap, and it should not be a surprise if Rahul is signed by a new team before the auction.
2. David Warner
Another player to have led a team in IPL 2021 to appear on this list is David Warner. The Aussie batter was the skipper of the Sunrisers Hyderabad when the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League began. However, the team management sacked him after some poor performances.
It is all but confirmed that Warner will be leaving the Hyderabad-based franchise before the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. Like KL Rahul, Warner could be a superb captaincy pick for the new teams, thereby making him a contender for a pre-auction signing.
3. Joe Root could make his debut for one of the new teams after the IPL 2022 Mega Auction
England Test captain Joe Root has expressed his readiness to play in the IPL. The most important thing for the new teams will be to sign a capable leader. Root has proven himself as an excellent leader.
The Englishman could start a new journey in his life with one of the new teams in the IPL next year. Perhaps, the franchises could even offer him a contract once he enrolls himself for the IPL Mega Auction 2022.
4. Mitchell Starc
Apart from captains, the new teams will also need a wicket-taking bowler. Australian speedster Mitchell Starc could be one of the possible picks. He has been away from the IPL for quite some time.
The left-arm pacer has wreaked havoc in white-ball cricket, especially at the big stage. Starc could be a top pick for any of the two teams if he is signed before the auction.
5. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal is another wicket-taking bowler to feature on this list. Chahal is currently playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team. Although he has done well with the ball, the RCB team management might release him.
The reason behind is the backroom staff may prefer retaining their star batters. If Chahal is released by Bangalore, then he could be a big pick for the new teams, especially if it is a pre-auction signing.