With the mega auctions coming up in IPL 2022, all teams are gearing up to target players for an all-new season. We will see teams with a completely new look. Thus, there is a good chance that Royal Challengers Bangalore release Yuzvendra Chahal. As a result, they will look for a proper replacement for him. So let’s take a look at 5 players the Bangalore outfit could target if they release Yuzvendra Chahal in 2022.
#1. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali is someone who has the highest chance of being retained in this list. He was phenomenal for CSK before the pandemic put a stop to the IPL. There is no doubt that he will return to form when the IPL resumes in UAE. Ali is someone who brings tremendous value to the team.
A wily spinner, he is also a phenomenal batsman who can play at any position. He will be more than perfect for RCB if they choose to release Yuzvendra Chahal. Ali can play as an opener, a middle-order batsman, or as a finisher in the batting department. He is a veteran bowler and would be a huge bonus for RCB.
#2. Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi is one of the fastest rising spinners in the country. He was a part of the U-19 World Cup Indian team. Bishnoi was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament, managing to get 17 wickets. He is currently an unproven commodity in the IPL. Bishnoi currently plays for PBKS, but there’s a high chance that he gets released by the franchise.
However, there is no doubt that Ravi will grow into a great spinner. RCB has always bet on younger talent, instead of going for more established names. So picking Bishnoi could be one such strategy. Replacing Chahal and believing in the youngster sets up RCB nicely for the future.
#3. Mayank Markande
Mayank Markande is one of India’s future stars. The right arm leg-break bowler was called up to the Indian team in February 2019. Mayank has played for Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians against CSK and took 3 wickets.
Chahal is someone who provides Kohli with a good bowling option when he needs to use up overs. Markande can do the same, and shift the pressure onto the batsmen. He has taken 16 wickets in his IPL career, with the career-best figures of 4/23.
#4. Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar has been an integral part of Mumbai Indians for some time now. However, it seems likely that Chahar might get released in 2022. Mumbai Indians will look to retain the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, etc. Thus there’s a high chance that he ends up as a free agent in the 2022 mega auctions.
If RCB releases Yuzvendra Chahal, they might look to pick up Chahar to replace him. He was a great option for Rohit Sharma when MI needed to reduce the flow of runs. Chahar could do the same for Kohli as well. If Chahal is released, he will leave behind a void in the team. Rahul Chahar might be the one who fills it efficiently.
#5. Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy has consistently been one of the few bright spots in Kolkata Knight Riders. He has taken 25 wickets from 21 matches. However, there is a great chance that Varun gets released. KKR might look to retain players like Andre Russel, Shubhman Gill, etc.
Kohli is always on the lookout for young talents for his IPL side. Chakravarthy is someone who could take the opportunity by the horns and make the most out of it.
